Thursday, October 31, 2019
Sleep health Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Sleep health - Research Paper Example planned sleep is associated with various health deficiencies, which include loss of memory, distorted learning abilities and mood problems (Bonnet, 2011). Additionally, without enough sleep, it is naturally difficult for an individual to concentrate or focus. According to a research published in the Southern Medical Journal, sleep deprivation is one of the causes of the cardiovascular diseases, because sleep is essential for giving the heart and the vascular system the much needed rest (Brannon, Feist, & Updegraff, 2013). Sufficient sleep is especially important for adults, considering that they form the bulk of the productive workforce, thus requires being healthy and free of such sleep disorders that may hamper their productivity and effective duty performance. Therefore, increasing the percentage of adults who are able to get sufficient sleep on a daily basis is an important aspect of improving the general health and welfare of the society. Thus, the objective of this discussion is to seek ââ¬Ëincreasing the proportion of adults who get sufficient sleepââ¬â¢. The discussion will focus on female college students as the target community population. The proposed health promotion and disease prevention program is the combination of a wellness support program with prophylactic naps. According to the data from the National Institute of Health (NHI) that has been published in the Journal of Sleep medicine, 29% of the adult American population sleeps for less than 7 hours in a day (Schoenberg& Adams, 2009). Additionally, a study by the institute of medicine has indicated that between 50 and 70 million adults within the USA are suffering from diverse sleep and wakefulness disorders (Institute of medicine, 2006). Another data from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has indicated that 10.1% of the whole adult population in the USA has reported having insufficient sleep annually (CDC, 2008). The study by the CDC indicated that among the 403,981 respondents that were
Monday, October 28, 2019
Race and Native American Essay Example for Free
Race and Native American Essay Identify and briefly explain the dimensions by referencing both textbooks. Some of the different primary dimensions of diversity include age, gender, mental and physical abilities, race, ethnic heritage, and sexual orientation. These are primary due to the fact that they are more fixed, visible, and relevant to an identity. For example, a male in his mid-thirties are all primary dimensions. There are also secondary dimensions such as geographic location, military/work experience, family status, income, religion, language, education, communication, and work style. For example, a male in his thirties who plays piano while drinking apple cider for a hobby would be secondary. As we learned in class the difference between these are easily remembered by thinking visible and invisible. At first glance one would be able to guess age and gender, however the secondary dimensions are wide and welcome judgments to a closed mind. ?With what ethnic, cultural, or other groups do you identify? Describe what members of your social circle have in common. My ethnic background is Native American and Portuguese. On my motherââ¬â¢s side of the family I get the Native American. Our tribe is the Karok tribe. Its origins are Northern California. I am not registered; however I get bit and pieces from my mom sometimes. She tells me that I am an 8th Native American. This if I am not mistaken is enough to qualify for the federal benefits for health care and school funds. I have just not done the footwork to find out. This leads me into the second piece of the question. I am not a part of this social circle and I cannot answer what we all have in common other than the physical appearance. Generally, we all have dark hair and olive skin tone, and also having brown or hazel eyes. I notice from the members of my family that the woman age very well. Not so much the men. Inclusion is described as an addition. For example relative to thus class, an African American child being adopted by a Hispanic family and ten years later the African American child adapting to the rituals and cultural expectations if the Hispanic culture. This word can pertain to a wide variety of situations. Another example would be a defect in a precious stone such as a ruby or diamond. ?What is the difference between diversity and inclusion? Idictonary defines diversity as a noun meaning the condition of having or being composed of differing elements; variety. ?What is the importance of workplace diversity training? ?What is your experience with workplace culture? Could there be, or could there have been, more inclusion?
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Example Answers to Questions on Ethical Behaviour
Example Answers to Questions on Ethical Behaviour My view is that, ethical behavior will pay off in long run. Even though it might take few years down the track for the company to pay off. Ethical behavior is basically an individuals view of what is right or what is wrong. Ethical behavior is used inside and outside of the business environment. We also make ethical decision in our daily life. All human beings are behaving ethically from their own point of view, which also might differ from culture to culture or business environment. In our daily lifestyle, ethical behavior has passed on in every culture generation by generation, which seems it pays off. Ethical behaviors in a workplace are based on the combination factor depending on their ideas. The ideas of work environment ethics is related to how people who work for and who run the business applies their perception of right and wrong in a way they conduct the business . It is good for the company and the companies product to maintain its value at the same time retain standard. This would happen, if the company stand its foot on the ethical behavior. All the existing companies should choose to behave ethically to keep their relationship between their customers and co workers. This is very important in businesses now days to increase their sales of product and services. All the business should maintain first class service. Being ethical also refrains from the companies name or by product also being spoiled and it also keeps the customers happy. But if the leader of the company or the manager misleads the employees or the organisation in a wrong direction, than the rewards bad behavior. Some of these unethical behaviors that are done by the leaders in a bad organization could be lying, cheating and stealing. Even though by lying or cheating might not be a loss for the company, but its like taking the organization and its products and services to a major risk. To run a good ethical behavior organization one must ensure that the leaders abide by the rules and regulation of the particular organization. And the leaders should have the similar ethical thinking of what the organization has. The risks of the organization could take place by running businesses by unethical manners are as follows:- Loss of customers Bad name of the organization in the existing society. Prevents the organisation from growing Bankruptcy Risk of being sued. Breach of consumer responsibility. Loss of good employees. In an organization, employees should form a system to solve any ethical problem that arises with the help of leaders and the managers. As a leader the first step is to specify the appropriate behaviors not just by words but also by your action. To prevent unethical dilemma at a workplace the manager or the leader should provide employees with proper training during the orientation. If you want to make sure your workplace is a good role model of an ethical behavior (doing what is right) the leaders of the organization should ensure the employees continue to follow the rules that are laid out throughout the entity. While it is hard for a company to write some of the simple rules and regulations as long as the general rules are given out, so the company should ask to live by the response of the behavior that they make unethically and hold them accountable for doing so. According to the workforce in todays business culture all individuals should be prepared to deal with stressful situation. Such as when employees are caught for doing previous unethical decision they start blaming the victim (he was stupid enough to fall for it), and finger pointing (she does the same thing, and you never call her on it) will not be tolerated. To make sure that the unethical behaviour does not arise, therefore companys written rule is compulsory for every individual. Also all the rules should be clear easy to understand, and posted to notice board. Even though it is easy to understand the ethical and unethical behaviour thats why the rules made for employees should be memorized. This is how your business can find its way through the gray areas, and the way out on the other end of the tunnel. My past job was also a great experience that the ethical behaviour does pay off in long run. This was when I was back in Sydney. I met Brian Hussain, who was very keen on opening up his own business in a car detailing. He told me that he was going to offer me a job of a manager, since i had two years experience in the detailing of cars. So i took his offer since the income offered to me was great. Brian Hussain spoke to the owner of Premier Parking, which is well known in Australia, to go partners with him in 1998. They both came to an agreement and decided to open up the detailing shop by the name off Elite Car Care in May 1998. The first Elite Car Care was opened in the parking lot of Leichardt mall, Sydney. So i started working from the first day of the opening, business was running a bit slow since most people were not aware of it that the car wash was in the parking lot. Months went past and the business started to make progress, by the end of 1998. The turnover was almost three times more than what we usually use to make. And the workers were really good but the only issue i had that they had a student work permit with only 20 hours of work availability. Since the Car Wash was open for 7 days, it was important for me to have at least four staffs every day except Mondays. Weekends use to be the most busy days of the week, and in order to get the work done I had to ask the employees to do extra hours, which the students 20 hours were exceeded. The immigration was ok with the students if they went over the 20 hour to 23 hours, as long as they dont repeat it often. Brian Hussain, use to come around the work place almost every afternoon just to check up on the hours of the staffs and the sale we did throughout the day. So what Brian Hussain was, cutting down the hours of work the students did to 20 hours even if they worked till 22 to 23 hours. What was done by Brian Hussain was wrong, but i really couldnt do much since he was the boss. The actions of Brian Hussian, made the workers leave, which also made us loss some of our really good customers. Because the work was not done properly and the time frame that the customers had to wait for their vehicles to be cleaned was also stretched. In 1999 i arranged a meeting with Brian Hussain and his partner in the business, who was the owner of premier car park. I told him that the decisions that Brain Hussian made was not ethical and it also affected our business in a great loss. I also suggested that on the busy days of the week if the workers work really hard and skip there lunch to get the work done we should give them a bonus or reward for their effort contributed to the car wash. They knew it will be some extra expenses for the business, but they agreed to do as i suggested. After these changes were made there was a great progress and growth in the business environment, even the workers were satisfied to what the rules that was laid by the organization. By the mid 1999 the turnover was so good that Brian Hussain and his partner decided to open another car wash in Double Bay, which i know was a great idea, because the people that lived there are rich and drive expensive cars. And by the end of 1999 Elite Car Care had a great name in the market of car wash, which made the old customer that we lost in Leichardt to come back to us. This is why i strongly suggest that ethical behaviour pay off in long run and also maintains a healthy relationship with the customers and employees. It is also said what goes around comes back around this is a true saying and I believe to stand by it. References http://www.suite101.com/content/ethics-in-the-modern-workplace-a32979 http://www.asla.org/nonmembers/publicrelations/pressreleases/press071801.htm http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2001_July_20/ai_76649894/ Question 2 Societys impact will be reflected by the ethical leaders, how the decisions are made and they need to be people oriented. Leaders are there to set an example in an organisation and by doing that they resolve the negative impact on the society. Leaders show ethical behaviour by doing right thing and at the same time they help to motivate the followers. They also help the followers achieve the moral knowledge to its highest peak. In reality ethical leaders cover more encouragement of ethical behaviour. For example, repeating the ethical behaviour programs in their daily life. By being ethical the society helps the base of the business environment to be strong and steady. Right condition should be created by ethical leaders and also organisational culture to encourage the development of ethical behaviour. With a good ethics a leader can convince the world. Society has been represented by a leader or leaders at different levels for e.g can be city, town, village, industry, club, association, country, etc. Such as USA is well known of its power and ethical behaviour, which is unmatchable leader in the world. Another example would be an American leader sent the USA army to Iraq to resolve the conflict they had in Iraq. The lack of corporation and support by the leaders can have a great negative impact on the society and the environment both. This could also result in the rise of crime, corruption, pollution, and social conflict. Todays people blame the leaders for things they have negative impact on the society reason being lack of faith on the leader. For example the voters of Canada no longer believe that their leaders are honest. More than half the people have researched by the British Columbia, which said the government is making their life worst. Being an ethical leader its not just making, doing the jobs that makes the business benefit, but it also must be equally benefit for the people and the society. To complete accurate information through channel leaders need to suggest on professional, personal and legal grounds. By doing this you will have a peace of mind and have no guilt as well as having a respect for the administration of employees. A leader being unethical doesnt just have a impact on the employees but also on the society. If this happens, it could result in a big collapse. One of the great examples that was using a unethical behaviour and then collapsed, is Enron. We can also describe ethical leadership as an trustworthy also describe ethical leaders transparent, honest and trustworthy culture that would later on help them achieve long lasting position of leaders in their groups, nations and organisations. Great example would be a well known person from India his name is Mahatma Gandhi for his great leadership style. In todays generation everybody expects the leaders to have the ethical behaviour and values in the society. By having such a large number of population its hard to separate the evil ones from the good ones. Thats why it gets hard to stay ethical and honest in the world of competition. To improve the ethical leadership in the business environment it is important to introduce ethical from the top first. A leader with ethical behaviour is also a part of social responsible organisation at different levels, which includes legal, economic, and ethical. If a company cannot look after its legal and economics responsibilities then it is not socially responsible. Sometimes company need to do more than it is required to have good impact on the business and in society too. To become more socially responsible a company needs to examine its ethical actions. Apparently company should strives in order to provide ethical treatment to all stakeholders away from shareholders. If the organisation allows their employees and the community in the decision making process as stakeholders then this will have a great impact to reduce negative and at the same time improve the positive outcome for each group. By doing this it also improves the companies action becomes more and more socially responsible. For a leader to have a ethical behaviour in a business organisation, his own thoughts and ethical behaviour should match with the business and society. In todays society leaders should know what kind of behaviour either positive or negative impact on others and the people around them. An ethical leader also helps the business to have a better and healthy communication between the business and society. Some of the good examples of how ethical leaders or an organisation helps the society are as follows:- Disaster Relief whereby for example telecom provide a support to society by proving resources and working twenty four hours , seven days to restore communication to homes and businesses. While working to restore the communication, telecom also provide free calls diverts to all customers and also a free wireless broadband in society. It is also a good thing that a society benefits from ethical behaviour of an organisation because the employees are part of the society.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
The Realm of Desire and Dream: Brazil and its Self-Constructing Middle Class of the 1980s, 1990s and Today :: Essays Papers
The Realm of Desire and Dream: Brazil and its Self-Constructing Middle Class of the 1980s, 1990s and Today The discourse of self-definition in Brazil is based on perceptions of economic success, material value and social prestige. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, there was a general scramble to reconstruct individual identity in social success and achievement. ââ¬Å"Assertions of moral and cultural (class and racial) superiorityâ⬠make up the discourses of national and regional identity, while simultaneously setting up the social building blocks of discrimination and stratification (25). Through the strange consumption of not only goods, but the commodification of experiences, the Brazilian middle class sought to redefine their lives and social status, and ultimately create a world that thrives on social division and prejudice. In Maureen Oââ¬â¢Doughtertyââ¬â¢s Consumption Intensified, ââ¬Å"the dual visionâ⬠of the ââ¬Å"immediate reality of crisis and the desired reality of the First Worldâ⬠is shown to have shaped middle class consciousness and desire, and further deepen the marks of division within this ââ¬Å"heterogeneousâ⬠middle class (Oââ¬â¢Doughterty 15, 5). ââ¬Å"Transnational consumption, in the form of travel experiences, especially to Disney World, and consumption of imported goodsâ⬠is a surprising social construction of value and rank, and expresses the influence of a foreign ideal on Brazilian social identity (23). Sustained comfortable living, and superiority over another class of people, was desperately appealing to many Brazilian families in the throes of the economic crisis, as demonstrated by the commodification of a Disney experience in the United States through bought and displayed goods, and the suggestion of expense that goes with it. The suggestion of expense and wealth throughout the crisis shaped the new concept of a Brazilian middle class ââ¬Å"character,â⬠a quality of living that could not be removed by an instable economy and loss of existing values. The presentation and propagation of this ââ¬Å"characterâ⬠was an extension of the old lush life prior to the crisis, and a dogged determination to hold to ââ¬Å"traditional values.â⬠Throughout the economic crisis, the middle class wanted to be perceived as continuing to enjoy ââ¬Å"lush private space where elevated social status is proclaimed, cared for, and safeguardedâ⬠(Oââ¬â¢Doughterty 9). Yet the ââ¬Å"sense of past and hopes were contradicted by the experience of inflation crisis,â⬠and a new social construction of reality emerged that was tangible in all its effects and efforts (Oââ¬â¢Doughterty 9). The act of consuming goods itself is political, and ââ¬Å"consumption is central to middle-class self-definition, not only in prosperity, as has more usually been shown but in any and all circumstances, even in recessionâ⬠(Oââ¬â¢Doughterty 11).
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Proposing a solution
One of the most vital problems that are being faced by many countries and communities today is that of electricity and power shortages. It is problem that is growing in magnitude as time passes. This problem basically arose because the entire world power generation is through coal and oil. These are depleting natural resources that have also become extremely costly today. Another problem with using such kinds of resources is that they also consume at of time in manufacturing. The cost of such projects is also very high. Another problem is that there is also much loss of the power that is produced during the process.For example if a plant is capable of producing about 800 mega watts of energy at a particular time, then due to the inefficiency of the machines it is only able to produce 670 mega watt and the rest of the energy is lost in the process. Energy is one of the most important components of productivity and growth. all the countries that have become industrialized or are in the process of industrialization are making extensive use of electricity. Besides the industrial users there are domestic users. Today every person has some sort of usage of light.Electricity has become one of the most important components of the human lifestyle. Today it is in fact unbelievable to think of a life without using light. Many of the developing countries are still facing huge electricity shortages in their country. For example in Pakistan we hear people protesting about the extensive load shedding that takes place on daily basis. Also many developed countries are finding it very difficult to fulfill the growing needs of the consumer. The better the buying power of the people in a country the more electricity they consume.Today we see that the entire appliances are in some way or the other dependant upon electricity either for charging or actual usage. Without electricity a person actually feels paralyzed today. Because nothing seems to work. In this age of information tech nology where everything is computerized and mechanistic. All the workings and transactions that take place on real time and otherwise use power. There are many solutions to this arising problem that have been suggested by the experts over the years. One of the most prominent solutions is to remove the dependability form electricity to some alternate resources.And the other solution is to save the energy or increase the production. In order to save energy there is a constant need to educate its users. With education I am referring to awareness. The energy crisis is not new to any generation therefore a small effort on the part of the government and the social organization can have a great impact on solving the problems. We have to agree that every individual in this world is in some manner wasting the energy. Despite the fact that every one is paying the due share of energy they use.But the problem is that if we waste energy there are not sufficient amounts left to be used by the des erving. An example of the wastage of energy is in offices we notice that they donââ¬â¢t switch of the lights when the employees leave. There are centrally air conditioned office spaces that are consuming large amounts of electricity. Many streets lights are not turned off in the early morning that can save energy. Therefore if a conscious effort is made on the part of every individual to save energy then the entire nation shall benefit from this action.Also saving energy will further improve the correct distribution of energy. In short the industries shall become form efficient and productive. Another solution to the problem is the use of alternate resources of energy. There have been many sources of energy for example the thermal, hydro, wind, solar, gas etc. and there has been research going on for many years to come up with other ideas that can be used as alternate resources of energy. Apparently one of the problems with the present system of electricity generation is that it is not environment friendly also.Therefore the other prescribed methods are far more independent and are much more environment friendly. The first alternate form is the wind power generation. Usually places that are situated near the sea or are at a height have a lot of wind that travels at great speeds. Certain fans are installed in such places that when pushed by the wind force other machinery to move and the pressure generates electricity. This is a viable source of electricity generation. The second alternate form of energy is through the use of water. The sea water travels at great speeds and has a good amount of pressure.Today we see many dams that are built at large rivers and seas. From which water flows at a great speed. This speed and pressure is used to generate electricity. Many countries are making effective use of this method of power generation. The third most used technique is the solar power generation. It is an alternate type in which the solar energy is captured t hroughout the day and is used in the generation of energy and many other things. There are also many other forms and alternate sources of power generation. For example the bio gas.But the question arises here why is it that the world hasnââ¬â¢t adopted any of these methods on a large scale. The answer to this is that all the methods that have been described above have some sort of limitation. If we take water there is some times that the speed is not as expected. It keeps on fluctuating. During the floods it is very high while in some parts of the year it is reasonably low. Same is the case with wind. The wind along with its speed also changes direction. This is a subject of great concern. . The solar energy plant has also not advanced to that an extent that it can totally replace the former systems.Another reason for them being not successful is that these methods require a lot research and are not cost effective. They also do not remove the dependability from natural resources. Therefore in order to deal with this problem effectively the only way is to use a combination of these resources. And whatever proves to be the most effective the greater burden should be shifted to that factor. In this way the dependence could be diversified and no single entity will have to bear the load of power generation. The dependence on oil and gas can prove to be very expensive in the future.As these resources are depleting and the prices are being raised on a phenomenal level. It is essential to tackle this problem in a intelligent manner. Works cited Feldman, David. F, The Energy Crisis: Unresolved Issues and Enduring Legacies, Edition: illustrated Published by Johns Hopkins University Press, 1996 Green, Jen, Energy Crisis, Edition: illustrated Published by Chrysalis Education, 2003 Richard P. Runyon, Richard. P, The Energy Crisis: [the imminent crisis of our oil, gas, coal and atomic energy resources and solutions to resolve it], Published by Crown Publishers, 1972
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Free Essays on Parents Have The Greatest Influence on Their Children
Some children grow up among thorns; rough hard families. They are choked by the worries of the world. They have parents who are fearful or always think the worst of them. However, most parents donââ¬â¢t realize they are doing this. Some parents tell children, or even young adults, whatââ¬â¢s wrong and seldom whatââ¬â¢s right. Some parents leave their children to fight their own battles, without giving them a hand. They believe that it will make their child stronger in the long run. These parents donââ¬â¢t realize that instead of making their child stronger, they are actually setting him or her up to fail in adulthood. A series of well-known tests were done with monkeys to show the influence parents have on their children. The test indicates crucial outcomes when the monkeysââ¬â¢ mothersââ¬â¢ didnââ¬â¢t express love. When artificial parents raised a monkey during the first years of its life, the monkey often showed bizarre behaviors as an adult. The monkey would either cower in fear or express abnormal aggressive behavior. When a female monkey was deprived of love from its mother, it later became a poor mother itself, tending to neglect or abuse its infants. This experiment suggests that a close relationship with a warm responsive adult is essential for any childââ¬â¢s emotional development, even an infant monkeyââ¬â¢s (Hilgrad 78). An observation was also done on how the interaction between parents and their children affect the childââ¬â¢s social well-being. The observation showed that the parents of mature and competent children are warm and loving and communicate well. While these parents respect their childââ¬â¢s opinion, they are generally firm and clear about the behavior they consider appropriate. The observation indicated that parents of the children who are moderately self-controlled and self-reliant but somewhat withdrawn and distrustful tend to be controlling and not very warm and affectionate. These parents also werenââ¬â¢t that concerned about... Free Essays on Parents Have The Greatest Influence on Their Children Free Essays on Parents Have The Greatest Influence on Their Children Some children grow up among thorns; rough hard families. They are choked by the worries of the world. They have parents who are fearful or always think the worst of them. However, most parents donââ¬â¢t realize they are doing this. Some parents tell children, or even young adults, whatââ¬â¢s wrong and seldom whatââ¬â¢s right. Some parents leave their children to fight their own battles, without giving them a hand. They believe that it will make their child stronger in the long run. These parents donââ¬â¢t realize that instead of making their child stronger, they are actually setting him or her up to fail in adulthood. A series of well-known tests were done with monkeys to show the influence parents have on their children. The test indicates crucial outcomes when the monkeysââ¬â¢ mothersââ¬â¢ didnââ¬â¢t express love. When artificial parents raised a monkey during the first years of its life, the monkey often showed bizarre behaviors as an adult. The monkey would either cower in fear or express abnormal aggressive behavior. When a female monkey was deprived of love from its mother, it later became a poor mother itself, tending to neglect or abuse its infants. This experiment suggests that a close relationship with a warm responsive adult is essential for any childââ¬â¢s emotional development, even an infant monkeyââ¬â¢s (Hilgrad 78). An observation was also done on how the interaction between parents and their children affect the childââ¬â¢s social well-being. The observation showed that the parents of mature and competent children are warm and loving and communicate well. While these parents respect their childââ¬â¢s opinion, they are generally firm and clear about the behavior they consider appropriate. The observation indicated that parents of the children who are moderately self-controlled and self-reliant but somewhat withdrawn and distrustful tend to be controlling and not very warm and affectionate. These parents also werenââ¬â¢t that concerned about...
Monday, October 21, 2019
The wealth for wealth sake- the ethical perspective of profit making. The WritePass Journal
The wealth for wealth sake- the ethical perspective of profit making. INTRODUCTION The wealth for wealth sake- the ethical perspective of profit making. INTRODUCTIONSHAREHOLDER WEALTH MAXIMISATION/ LEVELS OF RETURNSSTAKEHOLDER AND AGENCY THEORYAGENCY THEORYCORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ETHICSETHICSCONCLUSIONCHALLENGES AND THE LEANING OUTCOME I FIND MOST DIFFICULTREFERENCERelated INTRODUCTION This report seeks to explore the topic ââ¬Ëwealth for wealth sake- the ethical perspective of profit makingââ¬â¢, stakeholder theory, agency theory, corporate social responsibility, ethics and if any relationship exist between these concepts and level of companyââ¬â¢s returns using British Petroleum Plc as a case study. These issues have sprung up a lot of debates in the last decade, with some of the opinion that the sole aim of an organisation is the maximisation of wealth for its shareholders while others hold the view that organisations should be responsible not just to their shareholders but to stakeholders. In view of this, this report will discuss these issues by examining diverse views and research on these issues and whether the focus of companies should be based solely on maximising shareholder wealth or if companies should pursue other objectives beside wealth maximisation. SHAREHOLDER WEALTH MAXIMISATION/ LEVELS OF RETURNS A business exists to maximise wealth for its shareholders and the manager has a duty to act solely in the interest of the shareholders (Friedman, 1971 in ACCA p1, 2011, p.147).à Friedman was of the view that organisation cannot have responsibility and so not accountable to anybody but its shareholders. This view was reiterates by Grant, 2011 who said that organisations are entities that have the right to maximise profit. However, a business though an artificial person in law, has the same rights and responsibilities as human beings and thus accountable for its actions and this invariably bestows its some responsibilities to those groups who are affected by the organisations activities and decisions (ACCA P1, 2011, p.146). The question is then whether organisations should make wealth at the expense of other stakeholders, such as the customers, suppliers, employees, community and society? à These organisations in question are kept running by communities of people who all share com mon goals and values and shareholder wealth maximisation is being made possible because of the effort and actions of these group of people despite the fact that the shareholders provides funds for the business. An organisation who fails to recognise its stakeholder is asking for trouble as employees can boycott work or customers can stop buying from them. The implication will be a fall in share price and since shareholder wealth is measured by the value of shares they own in the company, there will be a reduction in shareholder wealth.à Studies have shown that businesses that are ethically sound are rewarded with additional customers while those that are unsound are boycotted and employees show more commitment to socially responsible companies (ACCA p1, 2011, p.147). Friedman fails to realise that organisations are first and foremost communities of people working together for a common purpose and the existence of community automatically give rise to mutual responsibilities (Grant , 2011 in (Blank and McGurn, 2004; Gates, 2004; Gini, 2004). Moreover, the market is a network of relationships and it is the working of these various relationships that makes an organisation efficient or inefficient. Bp has a better understanding of the importance of developing relationships with the stakeholders when in April 20, 2010 the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in America Killed eleven workers and left 17 injured in a bid to maximise wealth (Mardell, 2011). The company was charged $20bn as compensation fund (Palmer, 2011). Bp continues to pay dearly for its actions long after the incident with the continuous fall in the share price as evident in the graph below: Bp Share Chart April 2010 to April 2011 SOURCE: ADVFN, 2011 Bp had the biggest fall in share price following the spill by more than 6% on opening and ended the day 4.7% down (Merrison, July, 2010). BP Share Price 1-Day Chart SOURCE: SKY NEWS, 2010 As at June 9, 2010, two months after the incident, Bp is below book value and trading less than half of its 52-week high, and its worth less than $100 billion. The company which has been paying out a steady 84 cents per share per quarter now has that payment in jeopardy as there is a $4.50 fall in the share price and a dividend of $3.36 is currently being paid on a stock worth $30 (Salmon, 2010). Analysts even went as far as proposing an exit for Bp via a takeover. STAKEHOLDER AND AGENCY THEORY Stakeholders are all those agents who are concerned about the growth and development of an organisation (Pesqueux et al, 2005, p.6 in Mercier 1999). They are those individuals, groups or organisations who are interested in and or are affected by the activities of an organisation. (Boddy, 2011, p.637) and (Mallin, 2010, p. 63-67). Mallin identified several stakeholders and the nature of their interests and expectations in the organisation which are: EMPLOYEES: whose interest is in job security, fairness in promotion and pay and working conditions, personal development among others. Others are environmental groups, communities, customers, suppliers among others (Mallin, 2007, p.51-53). The law of corporations says that the firm should be run primarily in the interest of shareholders; stakeholder theory does not give preference to any stakeholder. Organisation should seek a balance relationship among all its stakeholders as an imbalance will put the survival of the organisation at stake. Jensen (2001) supported this view when he said that a firm who seek to maximise wealth cannot ignore the interest of its stakeholders. Buttressing the point that stakeholders not just shareholders are paramount to the success and wealth of a stakeholders, Freeman maintained that effective stakeholder management is important to the survival and prosperity of an organisation as opposed to Friedman who argued that the only responsibility of business is to engage in activities design to maximise wealth for the shareholders and anything contrary to this is stealing. However, Friedman opined that in the pursuit of this goal, the business must conform to the basic rules of the society whic h are embodied in ethical customs, giving credence to the fact that ethics is key to business performance. Mallin 2007, p.7273 raises concerns as to whether a board can function effectively with multiple objectives and which should take priority over others, not to mention the fact that the enhancement of shareholder wealth is given supremacy in the United Kingdom. AGENCY THEORY Managers of a firm own a duty to shareholders to make all effort to maximise shareholder wealth by working in their interest. Alternatively, managers are also concern in working for their own best interest giving that economic theory of rational choice maintains that human nature being selfish will engage in activities that benefit them rather than others (Bradburn, 2001, p.4). However, there have been a lot of cases of selfless service in history such as Mother Theresa of old. Agency theory arises thus as a result of the conflicts of interest between management and shareholder due to separation of ownership from control. Studies have shown that managers substituted their interest in place of those of shareholders just like the case of Enron Corporation (ACCA, paper p1, 2010). Agency problem therefore arises as a result of managers making decisions that are contrary to the maximisation of shareholder wealth and possible causes of this are Separation of ownership and control: shareholders the principal fund the company but appoint agents, management to control the affairs of the company on their behalf. Differing goals between shareholders and management: Shareholders want high return on investment and thus want managers to take higher risk. However, managers are risk averse and tend to minimise risk by investing in low risk projects as oppose to shareholders who want higher returns on their investment thereby reducing shareholder wealth. Asymmetry of information: Because management are involve in the day to day running of the company, they have access to all financial and management information which the shareholders have no access to except the annual report of the company that are often times subject to manipulation (Watson and Head, 2007, pp.11-12). This was the case of Enron whose managers engaged in fraudulent creative accounting techniques in a bid to build empires at the expense of shareholders which led to the eventual collapse of the company. According to Jensen and Meckling, agency problem occurs when managers own less than 100% of the firm. He argued that managers are driven by power and control rather than maximizing shareholders wealth and often times seek to build empires. Thus take decisions that maximise their interest rather than the shareholders such as increase in managerial pay, rewards and job security. As a result of this conflict of interest and in an attempt to ensure that management interests are in line with those of shareholders, agency costs are incurred such as legal cost, cost of managersââ¬â¢ incentives and monitoring among others (ACCA, paper p1, 2010, p.23). To resolve problems arising from goal congruence between shareholders and management, Measures have been put in place by shareholders to minimise these problems: Monitoring activities of managers: Here external auditors are put in place to ensure that the financial statements prepare by the directors show a true and fair view of the affairs of the company. However, in the process agency costs are incurred. Performance related pay: Executive share option schemes: In an effort to encourage executives to maximise shareholder wealth and reduce managers aversion to risk, share options are introduced which allow senior managers to own certain number of shares in the company at a fixed price. The downside of using share option to check and balance senior executives is the fact increase in share price due to boom in the economy and general market trends will result to executives being rewarded not base on the merits of their performance (SIGLER, 2009, pp. 762-764). CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ETHICS It has become increasing important that organisations become actively responsible and makes ethical business decisions as a result of the recent scandals that have gulfed the business world, from Enron to WorldCom among others. The business world and the community can no longer fold their hands and watch in horror in anticipation of when the next big scandal will rock the world economy. Thus, the need to revisit the role of ethics and corporate social responsibility in todayââ¬â¢s business world. Although corporate social responsibility is closely linked to ethics because an outcome of ethical conduct is social responsibility (Dubrin, 1994, P.44), however, Blowfield, 2008, p. 12 13 in Davis 1973 explains that corporate social responsibility begins where the law ends. It is the positive impacts companies made on the lives of the community and beyond the society in which they operate outside of their legal obligations. Siegel and Vitaliano (2007) argued that CSR occurs when firms e ngage in activity that appears to advance a social agenda beyond that which is required by law. There is no doubt that corporate social responsibility is of paramount importance to the performance of a business as evidence have shown that organisations who put social responsibility as top most priority in their agenda will have a strong financial performance (Schermerhorn, 2002, p.159). In a poll in 2005, eighty-one percent of executives said that corporate social responsibility is important to their business. Majority of the executives were of the opinion that the purpose of a business is to be a steward in the society as it has duties to its stakeholders such as the customers, shareholders, employees, community and the environment (Blowfield, 2008, p. 10). In addition, there is little or no reason to believe that organisations cannot maximise wealth for their shareholders while performing other public responsibilities. Svensson et al, 2011,p.29 in Lea 1999 agrees with this when he said that ââ¬Ëit is the various stakeholders that determine the economic performance of a business and that profità will arise naturally from the performance of their business practices such as being socially responsibleââ¬â¢. Similarly, Freeman et al 1988, p.47 stressed further this by saying that financial performance and ethics are the same thing. For an organisation to maximize wealth, it needs to maintain relationships with several stakeholders that affect or are affected by its decisions (Presqueux, 2005, p.8). Business should not only look at the immediate returns, but at the communities who will become their consumers. This indicates that companies need to re-examine the nature of their interactions and the effects on their stakeholders (Gibson, 2007, p.xiv). Martin 2003, p.87 in an article in Harvard business review maintained that organisations exhibit socially responsible behaviour because it create goodwill among customers and enhances shareholder value. Little wonder more companies have come to the significance of being socially responsible and have become actively involved in building key relationships with their various stakeholders. Some have gone from being socially responsible to becoming sustainable due to increasing awareness to conserve and protect earthââ¬â¢s limited and depleting resources (May et al. 2007, p.237) such as the G8 summit. British petroleum, BP in 1997 took a stand on climate change by reducing greenhouse emissions. This socially responsible act Bp claims has cost them nothing but increased net income by $600 million. However, the same Bp in 2010 was involved in an oil spill that led to 11 employeesââ¬â¢ death and pollution due to negligence and an attempt to cut cost and increase shareholder wealth (Mar dell, 2011). Bp as a result suspended dividend payments to shareholders with $25 billion dollars set aside to cover compensation claims (Boddy, 2011, p.161). Apple and Microsoft are massively involved in CSR while still creating value for their shareholders. (Heal, 2005, p.14). Alternatively, there have also been those who argued that acting socially responsible has no impact on the wealth of an organisation. Friedman in an article published in 1970 argued that an organisation has no responsibility other than maximising shareholder wealth through legal and accepted means. Friedman was one of the capitalists who emphasised strict completion, wealth maximisation and reduction in expenditure which serve as barriers to acceptance of ethical practise in business. Monsanto was destroyed while acting socially responsible. The company invested money to make crops more productive without the use of chemicals. This backfired as it was faced with oppositions from environmental activists and consumers, thus making farmers to abandon them, causing financial threats to the company and the subsequent takeover. The quest to maximise shareholder wealth should not put other stakeholdersââ¬â¢ lives in jeopardy. Take for instance Ford Motors whom in the sixties in an attemp t to improve market position, fight competition from companies like Volkswagen and subsequently increase wealth for shareholders made the affordable Ford Pinto that was produced very cheaply with the petrol tanks placed in a position that endangers lives. Analyst believed Ford knowingly choosing profit over safety. The car poses risks and do not meet up with the legislation, yet the car was put up on sale. What followed were series of car accidents that caused many lives. Ford motors continued to sell the car as the cost of removing the product from the market far outweighs the law suit that would arise. The company was sued, though it won the lawsuit, but its reputation was badly damaged which affected the market share and subsequently the shareholder wealth they were aiming for (Boddy, 2011, p.135-136). The company in an attempt to maximise wealth for their shareholders put profit first before the safety of its customers and the community and operated outside the legal and accepte d standard advocated by Friedman. ETHICS Ethics are the norms and standards for judging good versus bad, right versus wrong. It thus defines whether actions taking by an organisation are under moral grounds (May et al, 2007, p. 157). However moral behaviour is dependent on some circumstances of time and places or on each individual decision-maker. It provides a support for maximising shareholder value in the long term and an understanding of business ethics will enhance business targets and improve performance (Sternberg, 1994, p. 15). In a survey of CFOs carried out by ACCA, it was discovered that companies that build a culture of ethics are more likely to succeed financially. Also, good ethics they say means good business (Chriysside and Kaler, 1996, p.8). Studies have shown that employees are more inclined to work for companies that are ethically and socially responsible (Weiss J, W, 2003, p.11). The pursuit of shareholder wealth should be within the confines of ethical behaviour as an organisation that solely pursues we alth maximisation will act unethically (Gibson, 2007, p.7). More so, managers believes that shareholders interest is in wealth maximisation, however, shareholders differ on this view depending on the nature of their investment with time. Some shareholders wants returns on the short term through dividends and often times, such shareholders are not inclined to acting ethically as opposed to those who wants their returns reinvested to achieve capital gains in the longer term. Boddy states that evidence have shown that investors are willing to invest in business that encourages ethical decision making. Therefore, companies need to integrate values such as trust, honesty, integrity and fairness into its policies, practice and decision making (Blowfield, 2008, p. 18). In recent times, series of companies with strong ethical policies have been found in breach of the law. This was the case of Boeing in 1998 when despite its ethical guidelines on procurement, corruption and marketing used co nfidential materials stolen from its competitor Lockheed Martin to win defence procurement contracts with the United State government. This led to it suspension from bidding for defence contracts. Ethics is a necessity in the achievement of profits, growth and shareholder value (Blowfield, 2008, p.190). Conversely, an organisation that acts unethically will have its reputation damaged and boycotted by its stakeholders just like the Ford Pinto, Enron and WorldCom. Enron despites having a Code of ethics had its senior management concealed debts worth $35 billion. The exposure of this fraudulent act led to a drop in share price from $90 to 61 cent (Gini, 2009, pp.104-115). Royal Dutch shell adopted the slogan people, planet, profits in an attempt to regain lost trust in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and criticism for its proposed scrap of Brent Spar oil storage platform in the deep Atlantic (Blowfield, 2008, 61). It is therefore not acceptable for business to say that anything it d oes within the confines of law is ethically acceptable. In the 80ââ¬â¢s, the Beech-Nut Nutrition Corporation had its executives sentenced by a jury for purported selling baby apple juice which in reality contain little or no apple juice. The companyââ¬â¢s shares of $750 million dropped from a high of 20% as a result to 17% (Gini, 2009, pp.29-31). Pressure is being mounted on businesses to go beyond the law by according respect and dignity to stakeholders, thus the need for organisations to consider responsibilities to those whom their decisions will affect. Managers have to balance the demands to maximise wealth for shareholders with those of acting ethically in the pursuit of wealth and being responsible to its stakeholders whom are affected by its decisions as doing contrary to this could be detrimental or poses to the business and shareholder wealth just as Dearlove 1998 suggests that ethical behaviour should be imbibed as a core value of business. Corporate social responsibility and ethics in a lot of ways increases wealth for shareholders as illustrated in series of examples above. However, organisations will need to weigh the benefits and advantages accrued from it and come to a balance. This is not to say that companies should pursue wealth at the expense of other stakeholdersââ¬â¢ lives. CONCLUSION The aim of this report was to discuss the objective of the company as to whether the maximisation of shareholder wealth should be the sole objective of the company. Evidences reviewed in the report pointed to the fact that wealth maximisation should not be the sole aim of the company, other stakeholders who are affected by the companyââ¬â¢s decision should be considered and the involvement of these various stakeholders evidence shown create company goodwill and increase shareholder wealth. It is therefore imperative that companies pursue other objectives beside wealth maximisation. REFLECTIVE JOURNAL WHAT I LEARNT FROM TAKING PART IN THE COURSE WORK: This report gave me a better insight into shareholder wealth maximisation and levels of returns, stakeholder theory, agency theory, corporate social responsibility and ethics. I learnt to work with limited time and meet up with strict deadline and to effectively manage my time. MY RESAERCH TECHNIQUES: My research techniques was based on reading journals, text books,à Harvard Business review, television station archives such as BBC News, Ft.com,Rueters.com and internet sources. MY MOTIVATION: My motivation stemmed from my drive to produce a quality course work. So my motivation was strong as I worked really hard to meet up with the deadline for the assignment. WHAT I WILL DO DIFFERENTLY NEXT TIME: I would ensure that I have done a thorough research regarding the subject matter before commencing my work as this will make it easier and save me time. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE LEARNING OUTCOMES WHICH I FIND EASIEST Corporate social responsibility which bothers on the ground that organisation in their pursuit of shareholder wealth needs to consider the positive impacts they made on the lives of the community and beyond the society in which they operate beyond that which constitute their legal obligations. I got to know that corporate social responsibility enhances shareholder wealth maximisation despite some argument which stress sole objective of wealth maximisation. CHALLENGES AND THE LEANING OUTCOME I FIND MOST DIFFICULT Stakeholder theory was particularly difficult for me as I have challenges getting relevant materials for it. Another was ethics which in a way is like a twin to corporate social responsibility. I realised while writing ethics that most of what I had to talk about were already discussed in corporate social responsibility making it difficult for me to have a balance word count between the two concepts. Thus ethics was also touched on in corporate social responsibility and vice versa. I believe I have done this work to the best of my ability and it will be useful to me in my future career prospects. REFERENCE ACCA. 2010. Ethics linked to better business performance. [WWW]. accaglobal.com/allnews/national/zimbabwe/ethicsà (9/4/2011). ACCA. 2010. Paper p1: Governance, Risk and Ethics. Complete Text-June and December, 2011 Exam Sittings. UK: Kaplan Publishing Limited. ADVFN. 2011. [WWW].à Bp Share Price. advfn.com/lse/SharePrice.asp?shareprice=BP. (7/4/2011). BLOWFIELD, M, AND MURRAY, A. 2008. Corporate Social Responsibility: A critical Introduction. Newyork. Oxford University Press. BODDY, D and PATON, S, 2011. Management: An Introduction. 5st. Edn. England: Pearson Education Limited. BRADBURN, R. 2001. Understanding Business Ethics. London: Continuum. CHRYSSIDES, G AND KALER, J. 1996. Essentials of Business Ethics. London: McGraw-Hill. COLLINS, D. 2006. Enron: the good, the bad and the really ugly. In: GINI, A and MARCOUK, A.M. Case studies in business ethics. 6th.Edn. London: Pearson prentice Hall, pp. 104-115. DEARLOVE, D. (1998). Key Management Decisions. London: Pitman Publishing. DUBRIN, A.J. (1994). Essentials of Management. 3rd.Edn.Ohia: South-Western Publishing Co. FRIEDMAN, M. 1970. The social responsibility of business is to Increase Its Profits. In: BURCHELL, J. The corporate social Responsibility reader. Oxon: Routledge, pp.84-89. GRANT, P. 2011. Aristotelian approach to a sustainable business. Corporate governance [Online journal], 11(1), pp. 4-12. Available from Emerald at emeraldinsight.com/search.htm?st1=patricia+grantct=allec=1bf=1. (16/3/2011). GIBSON, K. 2007. Ethics and Business. Uk: Cambridge University Press. HEAL, G. 2005. [WWW] Corporate Social responsibility: an economic and financial framework. The Geneva papers on risk and Insurance-issues and practice. https://europealumni.kellogg.northwestern.edu/research/fordcenter/conferences/ethics06/heal2.pdf (4/4/2011). JENSEN, M, C. and MECKLING, W, H. 1976, Theory of the Firm: Managerial Behavior, Agency Costs and Ownership Structure. Journal of Financial Economics. [Online Journal] sfu.ca/~wainwrig/Econ400/jensen-meckling.pdf. (17/3/2011). MALLIN, M, A. 2010. Corporate Governance. 3rd .Edn. New York: Oxford University Press. MARDELL, M. 2011. Failure of an industry. [WWW] bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/markmardell/2011/01/the_failure_of_an_industry.html (5, 4, 2011). MARTIN, L, R. 2003. The Virtue Matrix: Calculating the return on corporate responsibility. In: HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW. Harvard Business Review on Corporate Social Responsibility.USA: Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation. Pp. 83-103. MAY, S, CHENEY, G AND ROPER, J. 2007. The debate over Corporate Social Responsibility. New York: Oxford University Press. MERRISON ED. 2010. Seep Fears Fuel Drop in BP Share Price [WWW] http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Seep-Fears-Fuel-Drop-In-BP-Share-Price-US-Coastguard-Demands-Action-Plan-From-Oil-Giant/Article/201007315667088?f=rss (4/4/2011). PALMER, J. 2011. Gulf spills effects may not be seen for a decade. [WWW] bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12520630 (30/3/2011). SALMON, F. 2010. The ever falling Bp share price. http://blogs.reuters.com/felix-salmon/2010/06/09/the-ever-falling-bp-share-price/ (4/4/2011). SCHERMERHORN, J.R. (2002). Management. 7th. Edn. Newyork: John Wiley Sons. SIEGEL,à D. and VITALIANO, D.à 2007). An empirical analysis of the strategic use of corporate social responsibility. Journal of Economics and Management Strategy, 16(3), pp. 773-792. SIGLER, K, J. 2009. A brief overview of executive stock options in reducing the agency problem of excessive risk aversion. Management Research News [online Journal] emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?issn=0140-9174volume=32issue=8articleid=1800682show=pdf (6/4/2011). STERNBERG, E. 1995. Just Business: Business Ethics in Action. 2nd.Edn. London: Warner Books. SVENSSON, G. AND WOOD, G. 2011. A conceptual framework of corporate and business ethics across organisations: Structures, processes and performance. The learning organization. 18(1). pp.21-35. PESQUEUX YVON AND SALMA DAMAK AYADI, 2005. Stakeholder theory in perspectives. Corporate governance. 5(2) WATSON D, AND HEAD, A. 2007.Corporate Finance: Principles and Practice. 4th. Edn. England: Pearson education. WEISS, J, W.2003. Business Ethics: A Stakeholder and Issue Management Approach. 3rd. Edn. Ohio: South Western.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
The ADL Matrix, Gap Analysis, and the Directional Policy Matrix
The ADL Matrix, Gap Analysis, and the Directional Policy Matrix Continuation. Read the beginning of the article to see the full picture. Here are three lesser-known strategic planning tools that are primarily used for determining aà large-scaleà competitive strategy for an organization or a strategic business unit. These particular tools are fairly simple environmental analysis methods, and like other better-known tools such as SWOTà or PEST analysis, do not suggest actions the business should take to reach its objectives. They are best used as a first step in strategy planning, with other more complex tools such as Balanced Scorecards or Key Performance Indicators used to develop and carry out strategic objectives. All the notions listed below may be rather confusing and you should be ready to spend much time on writing. In case you need help withà ADL Matrix, Gap analysis or Directional Policy Matrix turn to our writers andà get professional assistance. The Arthur D. Little (ADL) Strategic Condition Matrix The Arthur D. Little Strategic Condition Matrix was developed by the well-known consulting firm of the same name in theà 1970s and is a life cycle-based analysis similar to the Boston Matrix. Unlike the Boston Matrix, which considers a single dimension ââ¬â product or SBU competitiveness ââ¬â the ADL has two: competitive position and industry maturity. It was designed mainly for use in assessing SBUs in a large enterprise, but can be easily adapted for use as an analysis covering the entire company or smaller units. The ADL Matrix Competitive position is relatively easy to identify accurately if one thinks of it in terms of product and place: What does the company or SBU offer, and how extensive and diversified are the markets in which it can offer it? Product and place together define the business unit to be assessed. This does not, however, necessarily follow the organizational structure. For example, the sales division of an auto manufacturer provides a product in terms of the cars it sells, but also provides a product in terms of the marketing message supporting the sales effort, customer relations, and value-added components such as service warranties; thus, several organizational units, or parts of them, might make up an SBU for the purposes of strategic analysis with the ADL matrix. Industry maturity is fairly straightforward, and could describe not only an entire industry but a relevant segment of it; for example, our auto manufacturer might consider different vehicle classes such as sports cars, luxury sedans, and light trucks. Once the competitive position and industry maturity are determined, the SBU is assigned the appropriate place in the matrix, from where the company can begin to make strategic decisions. In some guides to the ADL, the 20 potential positions on the matrix are identified with specific generic strategies. In general, the positive strategies involving holding and growing SBUs increase as one moves from bottom to top and right to left across the matrix; the lower-right position representing a weak SBU in an aging market always suggests abandoning or otherwise divesting from the SBU. It is important, however, not to be too strictly bound by predetermined generic strategies. The actions and choices available to the organization depend on the organizationââ¬â¢s circumstances and available resources, and may not match generic strategy prescriptions. The biggest weakness of the ADL is that it cannot account for uncertainty about the length of industry life cycles. In an organizationââ¬â¢s current industry conditions, it can be difficult to foresee when those conditions might change, since the life cycle is not only affected by external forces but by the activities of competitors as well. Because effective planning requires a definite timeframe, a rapid change in the industry life cycle can make a chosen course of action obsolete and harm the companyââ¬â¢s competitive position. Gap Analysis Gap analysis is usually associated with marketing strategy planning, but it can be applied to other types of strategic planning. It is one of the simplest planning tools ever devised, which gives it some distinct advantages and disadvantages. The first step in a gap analysis is to select relevant, measurable indicators that will describe the ââ¬Å"gapâ⬠. The fewer the indicators chosen, the less complicated the subsequent analysis and plan development will be; examples of indicators might be gross revenues, profit margin, total sales, or production figures. The ââ¬Å"gapâ⬠is the difference between the objectives and the current situation in terms of the selected indicators. Generally, the gap is visualized as a chart: The obvious question is, ââ¬Å"Why would anyone want to conduct a gap analysis?â⬠because the simplicity of the tool suggests it might not be of much use. As a practical tool, it really isnââ¬â¢t. The steps the company needs to take are entirely dependent on the indicators it uses to measure the gap, and their underlying factors; at best, the gap analysis can only tell the company how far off the mark it is in reaching its objectives, not how to reach them. It does have some value, however, as a way to impose some structure on planning processes and give them a clear direction. For example, if the company decides net profit is the indicator that defines the gap, subsequent planning activity will be more effectively focused on factors that contribute to net profit. The Shell Directional Policy Matrix The Shell Directional Policy Matrix is a variation of the Boston Matrix, but is somewhat more detailed and provides clearer generic strategies for SBUs. It relies on two variables, the outlook for sector profitability and the companyââ¬â¢s or SBUââ¬â¢s competitive capability, and is arranged in a three-by-three matrix. Knowledge is powerful; we hope that through this article, we have empowered you. If you would like an article like this written for you, we can do that for a token. Our team of professional writersà hasà a track record that speaks excellence and perfection! For an article in a related area, simplyà place an order hereà and get your unique article in no time! At , we provide high quality andà well-writtenà articles.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Methods of Engagement in Afghanistan Research Paper - 1
Methods of Engagement in Afghanistan - Research Paper Example The researcher states that Afghan citizens deserve a better life. They have witnessed the worst experience ever: the killing and torture of fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, and destruction of property. The Americans also need to yearn for the war to stop. The war is making their economy suffer as they are the ones who foot the bill of the war. The whole world wants to see the war stopped. The present measures to stop the war are not bringing positive development. Real changes that bring an end to the war must be implemented so that peace and stability in Afghanistan prevails. The insurgent groups like the Taliban, Tehreek-e-Taliban, Al-Qaeda and their incarnations, the differences in religious doctrines and the great poppy farming in Afghanistan are the major causes of the war and insecurity. These insurgent groups terrorize both the local and the international communityââ¬â¢s causing unrest. Afghans believe in Islam. Some doctrines in Islam teach negative morals. The poppy fa rming brews the illegal heroin trade which the western world highly discourages. Sending military troops to Afghanistan is not the ultimate solution. Diplomacy is the greatest tool to peacebuilding in Afghanistan. Using the counter Insurgency strategy of closely working with the NGOs is one of the sure ways of stabilizing Afghanistan. The local community must also be involved in the peace process. Peace solution will not be achieved without the local community participating in the peacemaking process. This brings the mutual respect among the Afghans and the international community. Afghanistan is one of the largest poppy producing countries in the world. Poppy farming increases the heroin trade which is illegal. Nongovernmental Organizations, USDA has come in to uplift the agricultural status in Afghanistan. This is through irrigation and providing alternative crops like fruits.
Friday, October 18, 2019
LITERATURE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words
LITERATURE - Essay Example While generally the end of the First World War can be regarded as the commencement of the modernist tradition in literature, end of the Second World War marked initiation of the postmodernism. The writers of modernist tradition, after experiencing the radical shift from romantic traditions which also was further worsened by great devastation of the First World War, attempted to develop a holistic approach that they considered to be a matter of great importance to solve the prevailing problems. The postmodernists on the other hand adopted quite a different approach than that of the modernists and emphasized on the evaluation as well as analysis of the different aspects that construct life from in a fragmented manner. Irrespective of the fact that postmodernists derived a great deal of their inspiration from modernist traits of writing, however, their attempt to deal with subjects of novels in a fragmented and highly individualized manner developed the core of postmodernism. Such effor ts not only helped in the genesis of different sub-genres in the 20th Century novel writing tradition but also helped readers to receive more accurate understanding of the social, cultural, political and philosophical scenario of the contemporary time. ... to art and aesthetics of modernist literature, development of popular literature and to which extent these two novels, respectively, have helped in understanding the forms of postmodern existence in a better way. In order to establish the criteria for determining the best novel of 20th Century, it is important to understand both modernism and postmodernism as these two literary and philosophical disciplines have played the most important parts in determining the aesthetics of the century, elaborated the socio-cultural aspects and finally help a reader to understand the relevance of texts with both aesthetics as well as socio-cultural dimensions. The term ââ¬Ëmodernismââ¬â¢ has raised a great deal of debate, dilemma and controversies among critics of literature and such vast is its expanse that quite often it becomes difficult to determine the actual literary-philosophical dimension of the discipline. Thus, critics like Malcolm Bradbury and James McFarlane, in their efforts to d etermine modernism, have emphasized on two different ââ¬Å"sets of associationâ⬠(Gupta, 2005, p. 221). In the first set of association they have opined is linked with ââ¬Å"high aesthetic self-consciousness and nonrepresentationalism, in which art turns from realism and humanistic representation towards style, technique, and spatial form in pursuit of a deeper penetration of life â⬠¦.â⬠(Cited in Gupta, 2005, p. 221). This type of association helps in the genesis of experimental and innovative arts and consecutively deconstructs the traditional forms of artistic perception as well as representation in terms of structure, myth and organization. In the second type of association the critics have attempted to elaborate the reasons that resulted in such changes. While on one hand the intellectual dimension
Real Estate Personal Statement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Real Estate Personal Statement - Essay Example This experience enriched me with a native fluency in the second language and unique experience in an international environment. In addition, I have greatly improved on my organizational skills due to continuous time pressure during my study abroad. I am conscious that a real estate agent, especially in touristic areas, has to be proficient in several languages and possess a power of persuasion. That is why French and Spanish are my additional languages of choice that I work on in parallel to my main studies and already achieved significant proficiency in both of them. Moreover, I try when possible to engage in volunteer activity or short part time work as a receptionist to polish my communication skills with as a large variety of people. In final years of my undergraduate study I focused more on the Real Estate related profession and in two years successfully acquired a Real Estate License from Chamber of Commerce of Perugia. As my final exams are approaching I would like to define my future career entry as precise as possible and make sure that any additional studies or internships are well aligned with my professional goals. I strongly believe that my motivation and enthusiasm combined with short, but intense professional experience will help me to tackle future challenges in professional as well as educational settings. I look forward in exploring new horizons and educational opportunities that could help to propel my future
Microsoft and its investment in Ireland Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words
Microsoft and its investment in Ireland - Essay Example A lot of work is done in Ireland unit of Microsoft which ranges from software development to operations, finance to localization, marketing etc (Microsoft, 2011). The first significant investment done by Microsoft since its inception in Ireland was the establishment of the EMEA Operation Centre. The European development centre which is the research and development centre for entire Microsoft Europe was established in 1988. The research and development work for the large range of products like windows, MS Office, Windows Live, Forefront, XBOX, MSN etc. About five hundred people are employed in this centre. This centre provides a vast variety of activities which ranges from customer support to providing business services, manufacturing to financial activities, billing, supply chain management activities etc. This is one of the important investments made by Microsoft in Ireland. The second significant investment done by Microsoft Ireland during the early nineties was setting up the â⠬ËSales, Marketing and Service Groupââ¬â¢. The group offering sales, marketing and other related services are operating in Microsoft Ireland since 1991. The main activity of this group is to do the total sales and market the products and the services to all the customers and other business partners across Ireland. The customer group ranges from small personal computer user to business enterprises. This group comprises of a varied group of professional such as sales professionals, marketing professionals, technicians, and finance professionals etc who with their special skills and experience add value to the organization and its products and services. This was a very special and... It is evident from the study that globalization has paved the way for companies to invest and expand across the international frontiers. Companies generally expand to various countries to tap the favourable business condition of the foreign land. Foreign investments not only influence the business prospects of the foreign company but also have a strong impact on the overall economic, social and technological performance of the host country. In other words foreign direct investments influence the performance of the company as well as the performance of the country too. Foreign investments are generally made in that country which has good business prospects in other words where the company can expect good returns and where the business is hassle free. On the other hand a country also encourages foreign direct investments in those sectors which is expected to support and promote the overall development of the economy as well as the generation of employment. From the year 1985 Microsoft has started its business in Ireland and after then the country becomes an important base for Microsoft. Microsoft has continued to invest more and more in the country as the revenue from the country also increased. In the 1990s Ireland becomes an attractive country for the multinational companies for doing business especially the information technology based companies as the Irish government has started many policies, as a result of which the population become more educated and the education was more industry oriented.
Microsoft and its investment in Ireland Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words
Microsoft and its investment in Ireland - Essay Example A lot of work is done in Ireland unit of Microsoft which ranges from software development to operations, finance to localization, marketing etc (Microsoft, 2011). The first significant investment done by Microsoft since its inception in Ireland was the establishment of the EMEA Operation Centre. The European development centre which is the research and development centre for entire Microsoft Europe was established in 1988. The research and development work for the large range of products like windows, MS Office, Windows Live, Forefront, XBOX, MSN etc. About five hundred people are employed in this centre. This centre provides a vast variety of activities which ranges from customer support to providing business services, manufacturing to financial activities, billing, supply chain management activities etc. This is one of the important investments made by Microsoft in Ireland. The second significant investment done by Microsoft Ireland during the early nineties was setting up the â⠬ËSales, Marketing and Service Groupââ¬â¢. The group offering sales, marketing and other related services are operating in Microsoft Ireland since 1991. The main activity of this group is to do the total sales and market the products and the services to all the customers and other business partners across Ireland. The customer group ranges from small personal computer user to business enterprises. This group comprises of a varied group of professional such as sales professionals, marketing professionals, technicians, and finance professionals etc who with their special skills and experience add value to the organization and its products and services. This was a very special and... It is evident from the study that globalization has paved the way for companies to invest and expand across the international frontiers. Companies generally expand to various countries to tap the favourable business condition of the foreign land. Foreign investments not only influence the business prospects of the foreign company but also have a strong impact on the overall economic, social and technological performance of the host country. In other words foreign direct investments influence the performance of the company as well as the performance of the country too. Foreign investments are generally made in that country which has good business prospects in other words where the company can expect good returns and where the business is hassle free. On the other hand a country also encourages foreign direct investments in those sectors which is expected to support and promote the overall development of the economy as well as the generation of employment. From the year 1985 Microsoft has started its business in Ireland and after then the country becomes an important base for Microsoft. Microsoft has continued to invest more and more in the country as the revenue from the country also increased. In the 1990s Ireland becomes an attractive country for the multinational companies for doing business especially the information technology based companies as the Irish government has started many policies, as a result of which the population become more educated and the education was more industry oriented.
Thursday, October 17, 2019
SUBARANOIDAL hemorrhage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
SUBARANOIDAL hemorrhage - Essay Example A patient suffering from vasculitis may also experience symptoms related to this disorder. The blood vessels inside the brain of such a patient becomes inflamed which when not treated in time causes bursting of the vessels (Porth, 2011). Subaranoidal hemorrhage impairs the ability of the cerebral circulation to sustain a steady cerebral blood flow within the brain by unbalancing the regulation of cerebral blood flow by the small arteries and arterioles located in the brain (Porth, 2011). SAH can further cause blood to leak into the cerebrospinal fluid forming a clot which blocks cerebrospinal circulation. This blocking of CSF causes the fluid to buildup, a condition which can lead to hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus causes the ventricles within the CSF to increase in size making it difficult for patients to coordinate body functions. However, this fluid swelling can be intervened by putting a drain in the ventricles. When this condition is not treated in time, blood leaking from a torn aneurysm can damage nearby brain cells leading to mental complications and physical
Meditech Surgical Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Meditech Surgical - Essay Example Subsequently, there were problems associated with manufacturing. All the manufacturing sections manufactured products in reference to the calculated or estimated forecasts. However, the calculation of these forecasts was a lengthy process and hence manufacturing could also take long (Kaminsky, 2008). Problems with introduction of new products and manufacturing were driven systematically by the lack of effective communication between Meditech and their associates in business. This ineffective communication translated to Meditechs inability to track stocks in the market hence they could not organize and direct deliveries and production of other products in time. Organizationally, these problems were driven by the lack of a proficient and well organized system of estimating projections, productions, and maintaining their customers happy (Kaminsky, 2008). The customer service manager was the first person to recognize the major issues as he was in charge of the department responsible for receiving calls of dissatisfaction from their distributors and retailers. The customer service manager has a direct contact with these associates (Kaminsky, 2008). In fixing this problem, I would ensure the development of a system that would ensure proper storage of information or data in a bid to make calculation of projections simpler and timely. Additionally, it would be imperative to implement better communication systems that would ensure the tracking of stock in the hands of the distributors and retailers. Tracking how stock is moving would ensure deliveries are made on time and productions made
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Microsoft and its investment in Ireland Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words
Microsoft and its investment in Ireland - Essay Example A lot of work is done in Ireland unit of Microsoft which ranges from software development to operations, finance to localization, marketing etc (Microsoft, 2011). The first significant investment done by Microsoft since its inception in Ireland was the establishment of the EMEA Operation Centre. The European development centre which is the research and development centre for entire Microsoft Europe was established in 1988. The research and development work for the large range of products like windows, MS Office, Windows Live, Forefront, XBOX, MSN etc. About five hundred people are employed in this centre. This centre provides a vast variety of activities which ranges from customer support to providing business services, manufacturing to financial activities, billing, supply chain management activities etc. This is one of the important investments made by Microsoft in Ireland. The second significant investment done by Microsoft Ireland during the early nineties was setting up the â⠬ËSales, Marketing and Service Groupââ¬â¢. The group offering sales, marketing and other related services are operating in Microsoft Ireland since 1991. The main activity of this group is to do the total sales and market the products and the services to all the customers and other business partners across Ireland. The customer group ranges from small personal computer user to business enterprises. This group comprises of a varied group of professional such as sales professionals, marketing professionals, technicians, and finance professionals etc who with their special skills and experience add value to the organization and its products and services. This was a very special and... It is evident from the study that globalization has paved the way for companies to invest and expand across the international frontiers. Companies generally expand to various countries to tap the favourable business condition of the foreign land. Foreign investments not only influence the business prospects of the foreign company but also have a strong impact on the overall economic, social and technological performance of the host country. In other words foreign direct investments influence the performance of the company as well as the performance of the country too. Foreign investments are generally made in that country which has good business prospects in other words where the company can expect good returns and where the business is hassle free. On the other hand a country also encourages foreign direct investments in those sectors which is expected to support and promote the overall development of the economy as well as the generation of employment. From the year 1985 Microsoft has started its business in Ireland and after then the country becomes an important base for Microsoft. Microsoft has continued to invest more and more in the country as the revenue from the country also increased. In the 1990s Ireland becomes an attractive country for the multinational companies for doing business especially the information technology based companies as the Irish government has started many policies, as a result of which the population become more educated and the education was more industry oriented.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Meditech Surgical Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Meditech Surgical - Essay Example Subsequently, there were problems associated with manufacturing. All the manufacturing sections manufactured products in reference to the calculated or estimated forecasts. However, the calculation of these forecasts was a lengthy process and hence manufacturing could also take long (Kaminsky, 2008). Problems with introduction of new products and manufacturing were driven systematically by the lack of effective communication between Meditech and their associates in business. This ineffective communication translated to Meditechs inability to track stocks in the market hence they could not organize and direct deliveries and production of other products in time. Organizationally, these problems were driven by the lack of a proficient and well organized system of estimating projections, productions, and maintaining their customers happy (Kaminsky, 2008). The customer service manager was the first person to recognize the major issues as he was in charge of the department responsible for receiving calls of dissatisfaction from their distributors and retailers. The customer service manager has a direct contact with these associates (Kaminsky, 2008). In fixing this problem, I would ensure the development of a system that would ensure proper storage of information or data in a bid to make calculation of projections simpler and timely. Additionally, it would be imperative to implement better communication systems that would ensure the tracking of stock in the hands of the distributors and retailers. Tracking how stock is moving would ensure deliveries are made on time and productions made
True Standards of a Hero Essay Example for Free
True Standards of a Hero Essay George Washington, Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali, and even Taylor Swift have been proven to be heroes in todayââ¬â¢s culture. Long before any of these individuals walked the Earth, the story of a man exhibiting what a true hero of epic proportions really is. Beowulf, a poem in British literature from the eighth century, showcases the concept of real heroism. Beowulf, a Geat who provides the real qualities of a dominate hero, travels to Herot to protect the kingdom of King Hrothgar. Beowulf will find himself battling with monsters that represent evil, the devil, and depths of Hell. The people of the kingdom are, at first, nervous of having a man fight the monster, Grendel, but are soon proven that Beowulf is the only option. The hero will later encounter the monsterââ¬â¢s mother and, fifty years later, a dominate dragon. Clearly, in Beowulf, we will see the true qualities of an epic hero. Beowulf will travel far distances to be glorified and viewed significantly by the entire world. He will also demonstrate Anglo-Saxon ethics in the deeds he performs using his superhuman strength and abilities. Beowulf proves to people across many lands that he is a strong and responsible leader as well as an example of true heroism. As the poem begins, you immediately see how Beowulf is presented with an intense quest and is signified and glorified. The reader is told how a horrific monster, Grendel, is attacking Hrothgarââ¬â¢s kingdom. Beowulf hears of the incidents and immediately travels to help. He wants to aid the kingdom, ââ¬Å"Heard how Grendel filled night with horror/ And quickly commanded a boat fitted out/ Proclaiming that heââ¬â¢d go to that famous kingâ⬠(112-114). He then carries out with his promise and takes on the outstanding quest. Beowulf carries out another epic quality by being significant and glorified across many lands. When he arrives at Herot, he is greeted by Wulfgar, one of Hrothgarââ¬â¢s feudal lords. Wulfgar proclaims, ââ¬Å"My lord, the great King of the Danes, commands me/ To tell you that he knows of your noble birthâ⬠(127-128). This explains how highly regarded Beowulf is talked of among the area. Beowulf will, now, battle Grendel, the ferocious beast. In addition to the obvious heroic qualities, Beowulf showcases his ethics to Anglo-Saxon society and his superhuman strength. When Beowulf goes to fight the monster, he refuses to use weapons since Grendel doesnââ¬â¢t use them. ââ¬Å"That I, alone and with the help of my men,/ May purge all evil from this hall. I have heard,/ Too, that the monsterââ¬â¢s scorn of men/ Is so great that he needs no weapons and fears no name./ Nor will Iâ⬠(165-169), announces Beowulf in order to prove his pride and morality. Now, though, Beowulf must give attention to showing his superhuman strength. He fights upon one arm, being able to detach Grendelââ¬â¢s own arm. ââ¬Å"-And was instantly seized himself, claws/ Bent back as Beowulf leaned up on one armâ⬠(430-431). As to be expected, Beowulf murders Grendel within moments of the battle. Grendelââ¬â¢s mother is then angered by the news and is ready to fight Beowulf as well. Beowulf is, once again, prepared to risk death for glory, the citizens, and to reflect ideals of society. He jumps into the red, dark, deep, treacherous waters to confront Grendelââ¬â¢s mother in a battle. ââ¬Å"The water was bloody, steaming and boiling/ In horrible pounding waves, heat/ Sucked from his magical veinsâ⬠(529-531). Once arriving miles deep into the Hell, Beowulf was ready to boost his name once again. ââ¬Å"But Beowulf/ Longed only for fame, leaped back/ Into battleâ⬠¦ If weapons were useless heââ¬â¢d use/ His hands, the strength in his fingers. So fame/ Comes to those who mean to win it/ And care about nothing elseâ⬠(605-612). This is how Beowulf reflects ideals of Anglo-Saxon society. He knows fame comes to those who thrive for it. Our hero wins the incredible battle and returns to the surface with the head of Grendelââ¬â¢s mother. In Herot, Beowulf is presented the kingdom and is now the King. Fifty years later, a new crisis comes forward. A dragon is destroying the kingââ¬â¢s land; Beowulf is the only known help. The king travels with twelve men, but shows his bravery by telling them to ââ¬Å"Wait for me close by, my friends,/â⬠¦ no man but me/ Could hope to defeat this monsterâ⬠(679-684). Beowulf wants to go in alone, to protect his men. While in battle, all of the men leave except for one, Wiglaf, a distant cousin to Beowulf. The highly admired hero, is defeated by the dragon. Wiglaf runs to his side, where Beowulf proclaims him as his successor. Moments after, Beowulf takes his final breath. Beowulf was clearly seen as a strong leader by his people carrying on his name in glory, ââ¬Å"And so Beowulfââ¬â¢s followers/ Rode, mourning their beloved leader,/ Crying that no better king had ever/ Lived, no prince so mild, no man/ so open to his people, so deserving of praiseâ⬠(838-842). There was even a tower erected in his name. His legacy of being an epic, strong, glorious leader is achieved. Obviously, Beowulf has association with every heroic quality under the Sun. The king was on a quest, was signifigant, and even glorified by his people. Beowulf additionally showed ethics in his battles and his superhuman abilities. He risks death carrying out ideals of Anglo-Saxon society performing these great deeds with even greater leadership. This poem clearly represented God versing evils with the good prevailing. Now we see how todayââ¬â¢s heroes find their inspiration.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Tangible and Intangible Resources
Tangible and Intangible Resources In the fast pace development of the technology market,Ã enterprises tangible and intangible resources is a competitive advantage on the basis of tangible resources is the basis for enterprise development, the invisible resources are the engine of growth of competitive advantage, two of those are the source of competitive advantages. This article will be the fast-paced development of technology market premise, according to some examples, focusing on the importance of tangible and intangible resources company competition (Hill, Jones, 2009). Define Tangible and intangible resources: Tangible resources are visible, can use the direct measurement of the monetary resources, including material resources and financial resources E.g Tangible resources; 2009, Samsung Electronics, the market value has reached $ 110.2 billion, the first time beyond Intel became the the global revenues largest semiconductor manufacturers 1. Samsungs sales of $ 117.8 billion in 2009, has surpassed HP to become the the global revenues largest electronics companies 2. Is the worlds second largest chip factory, second in size only to Intel 3 in 2008 is the worlds top 21 products, up market share in the market supplier Intangible resources. A wide range of content, such as trademarks, patents, proprietary technology, customer relationships, corporate image, corporate culture, these intangible resources in the process of production and operation of enterprises play an indispensable role. E.g Intangible resources: Korea 8782 patents registered in the United States last year, 3611 applications for Samsung Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Samsung Electronics, the percentage of more than 40%. Samsungs brand value grew fivefold from $ 3.1 billion in 1999 to $ 16.2 billion in 2006 ( Hitt, Ireland, 2008). Analysis of several fast-paced technology companies examples and reasons The definition of the technology market: the places engaged in the technical intermediary services and technical operations of goods. To promote scientific and technological achievements into practical productive forces for the purpose, specifically to carry out technology development, technology transfer, technical consulting, technical services, technical contract; production or distribution of the research to test new products and technology products; organization and conduct of the promotion and application of technological achievements and other technical coverage involving all areas of technology (Tietze , 2012). The cell phone industry, as a modern high-tech industry, has a certain representation, several typical company I will for example in the mobile phone industry to analyze: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Samsung Group was founded in 1938, investment in the establishment of Samsung Electronics Company in 1969, involving semiconductors, mobile phones, monitors, laptops, televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, digital cameras, and IT products and other field In many areas in technology, Samsung has become the worlds leading technology innovation company, it has created a series of state-of-the-art technology, including mobile phones, hand-held computing devices, flat panel displays, as well as ultra-thin laptops. (Viardot, 2004). Apple Inc Apples major industries, including computer software. Hardware. Phone handheld entertainment aspect. Overall have five production lines: Mac, iPod the iPhone and the iPad, i Tune, known for the product i pod digital music player is i Tunes music store, these are containing innovative the high-tech, i phone pioneered mobile devices new start, IPHONE3G of the software revolution (Sengupta, Slater, 2009). NOKIA In 1865, Nokia was founded in Finland, Nokia smart phone, entertainment, phone, navigation, phone, have a high technology technology Nokia developed areas including third-generation wireless systems, multimedia applications, network management, mobile phone and other sounds data, video terminals. To maintain its leading position in the rapid development of the telecommunications market (GruneWalder, 2008). What role do they play in this types of market what are they? Based on analysis of the tangible and intangible resources of Nokia and Apple Nokias tangible resources Material resources: Nokia to light electric transmission as the center of development, laying the foundation for Nokias semiconductor technology industry. Such as ABS engineering techniques, this technique has the performance of heat-resistant and impact, due to the lower cost of this technique, the majority of computer manufacturers to use. Financial resources: Nokia in Chinas development, the establishment of three joint venture companies, mobile phone production, as well as network equipment, China is the largest market of Nokia, the worlds largest investment areas, due to the low cost of production and processing of the Chinese market, so Nokia to focus on China, in addition to the establishment of a global integrated financial plan, a reasonable business strategy Nokia intangible resources Company brand: Nokia founded in Finland, with a long history, and a good social reputation, through continuous research and innovation, powerful software support and network services, so that, on the company in the smart phone, navigation technically are in a leading position in the company with OVI Internet, in the music store, online game store, providing services to obtain the value Technology: Nokias development, always in the front of the R D development center, working to develop new technologies, including third-generation wireless systems, multimedia applications, to meet customers needs, increasing the mass market to maintain the rapid development of the territory Goodwill: consumers said user for the first time agree, it is only with the GSM technology, the exterior design of the TV for the first time large-screen displays, mobile phones scroll able text menu, the user used to say, very good,leave a very good impression (Hoskisson, 2008) Apple tangible resources Product Resources: 2000 i Pod digital music player, with the unique i Tunes music download system, beat some very powerful company and a global share of the first portable player, i pod series launch, more solid Apple position in the music market, i phone combined with a new product of the i pod and Apple TV, the birth of this product, so Apples successful transformation from computer production to the electronic company Financial resources Apples PC and one of the multimedia company, Apple increased net income $ 1,335 one billion, they have the ability to obtain credit. The tissue Apple also has many systems f control. Apple controls all aspects of the computer, it can provide customers with a complete desktop solution, including hardware, software and peripherals, Physical resources Apple company established in California. Apple is a global company with offices around the. They develop good computer on the market with the best materials. Technology Apple invented a lot of patents, they developed the first PC, the PCs graphical user interface (GUI), a point, and then click the mouse, the laser printer, the iPod and iTunes. Apple also includes a window system, investigation procedures, such as Aldus, Page Maker and Microsoft Excel. Apples products are user-friendly and unique Apple intangible resources Apples human resources, the Cupertino, California in the heart of Silicon Valley, bringing together the most talent and an attractive location. The best schools in the country in a very short drive from Apples main campus, including Stanford University, the University of California, Barkley, and Santa Clara University. There are so many schools nearby, they enjoy a rich cultural and educational opportunities. Innovation Apple invented the PC graphical user interface. Nearly a decade, the the Apple monopoly graphical user interface. When Jobs returned, he manages a hire people who do not want to make the best products in the world of innovation. The key is to let the people with the passion for excellence. Apple now has scientific skills, enabling them to innovation, promote the patent (Afuah, 2009) What is the impact on the companies industry? Business development, competitors may soon have tangible physical capital resources, but the long-term advantages of intangible resources but is hard to beat. Well-known enterprises of the industrial countries, the value of intangible resources generally exceed the value of physical resources, intangible resources these enterprises trade and occupy the international market and expand the social impact will become an important weapon (Tessiopoulos, 2005). The importance of the intangible resources. Enterprise as a social and economic organization. While tangible resources. Also has a wide variety and difficult measurement and grasp the intangible resources. A wide range of content, such as trademarks, patents, proprietary technology, customer relationships, corporate image, corporate culture, these intangible resources in the production development process plays an irreplaceable role. Trademark. Trademark is used to identify the specific goods or services of the mark, it means the right to use a particular name or pattern specialize in certain specified goods or products generally include the exclusive right to use and the prohibition of the right to two aspects. Patent. The patent refers to the national patent authorities in accordance with the law grant the inventions patented applicants enjoyed exclusive rights within a certain period of their inventions. The patent generally include three aspects of the invention patents, utility model patents and design patents. Valid patent law Proprietary technology. The proprietary technology means known to the outside world, has been used in the production and operation activities, a variety of skills and experience do not enjoy legal protection. Generally include the proprietary technology of the industrial, commercial trade proprietary technology, management know-how, etc.. Corporate image. Corporate image usually refers to the publics evaluation of a company and its products, beliefs and attitudes. Mainly include the popularity and reputation, corporate values, managerial and technical factors such as the comprehensive, implied a huge potential force behind the production and business activities of enterprises. Customer relationships. Customer relationship usually refers to the purchase of customer and sales of enterprise products, services, manufacturing enterprises in the formation of long-term exchanges and work with each other relationship, this relationship is the invisible presence of a lot of influence, for the improvement of enterprise product sales. Enterprises cultural. The corporate culture is the enterprise ideology as the core corporate values, corporate value, business philosophy, entrepreneurship, business principles, business purposes, business rules and regulations, Code of Conduct.(Ireland, Hoskission, 2008) E.g Apple and Samsung patent war of the century, for example, Apple awarded $ 1 billion. South Koreas Samsung infringed U.S. Apple patent, needs $ 1 billion in compensation. At the same time, the court finds that the Apple and Samsung did not infringe. Affected by this news, Apples stock price immediately rose by 1.8%, this way before Samsung change the design of these products will be in the U.S. market can not continue to sell these products. Lawsuits between Apple and Samsung is not just about patents and money is related to the value. Apple seems stresses creativity and innovation, to create the worlds best products, the manufacture of these products is to let the user satisfaction, not to allow competitors big plagiarism. (Ubertazzi, 2012). Expert analysis : Apple disputes warning of the modern enterprise Apples creative class of intangible assets in commercial signs, warning of the management problems of the modern enterprise: First, technological innovation is important, but only technological innovation is not enough, you must also conducted a comprehensive intangible assets construction innovation. A single class of intellectual property (patent, trademark or copyright) is not enough to solve all the problems of the enterprises, enterprises must carry out diverse IP configuration. Second, trade names and trademarks is not just a business logo, to raise the height of intangible assets created to recognize. Best to stay away from the general term creative in the selection of trademarks, trade names, to do trademark name with the name of the creative owner of the trademark can not prevent others from the same with your name trademark registered in other categories of goods and services. Because your trademark name is not private rights in the true sense, the name you choose is also the use of public resources. Trademark intangible asset value basis, is one of the trademarks Be creative, first with the larger artistic value, the value will be after the trademark rights of value, economic value, reputation. If the brand name is a common noun, it is easy for the revocation of others, lead to legal disputes. The third set of intangible assets specialized management agencies. Talent is a source of intangible assets, intangible assets not only to create pay greater attention to the management and operation. Important foundation for high-end complex talent to do a good job in the management of the intangible assets. Enterprise management of intangible assets should be placed in an important position, set a special intangible assets management department, equipped with specialized management of intangible assets intangible assets of enterprises integrated, comprehensive, systematic management, organizational guarantee of intangible assets management. Through high-end composite intangible assets management, promote enterprises to improve the level of management of intangible assets, improve intangible assets effective. (Acton, 2012). Is one resource more valuable or important when the other ? I chose the hotel industry, the analysis of the tangible and intangible resources of the hotel industry Hotel tangible resources :is the physical form of resources, including physical resources, financial resources, organizational resources. Kind resources refers to the kind used to be the hotel customer service resources to create benefits for the hotel, such as hotel construction, decoration, equipment, etc. are in-kind resources: financial resources, including currency sources and use, such as access to finance, cash management, creditors and debtors control, dealing with currency provider relations; organizational resources, including the hotels formal organizational structure, composition departments Hotel intangible resources: including human resources, reputation, resources, relationships, resources, information and technology resources. Human resources including knowledge, staff skills, managers can, practice, and thus formed hotel culture and service philosophy; the hotel reputation resources including hotel brand, hotel for reputation parties; hotel information and technical resources, including information and information storage, processing and transfer of technology, management techniques, the hotels reservation system; hotel relations system includes a hotel and the relationship of the parties, the contract agreement. Intangible resources of the hotel is the hotel prerequisite to gain a competitive advantage .(Enz, 2009) JINJIANGINN tangible resources and intangible resources Research enterprise core competitiveness mainly two ways an enterprise resource analysis to find out the advantages of resources, and the other is the enterprise value chain analysis as its core competitiveness. Ways to use this article for the former, and that analysis of the resources of the Jinjiang Inn. The resources of the enterprise can be divided into tangible resources, intangible and human resources. Which tangible resources the kind resources buildings, land, raw materials, operational resources, computers, machinery, systems and financial resources organization intangible resources of the type and quantity of available funds mainly technical resources, reputation, resources and innovative resources and human resources is the organic integration of the members of the organization to the organization to provide the skills, knowledge and reasoning and decision-making ability. (JinJiang Inn, 2012). Physical resources: can be divided into basic and infrastructure, the basic situation of the hotel chain Jinjiang Inn has more than 500 distribution in Shanghai, Beijing and other 86 large and medium-sized cities in the country, room a total of more than 60,000 infrastructure including air conditioning, bathroom, TV, telephone, broadband internet, 24-hour hot water and other infrastructure, to show an economically practical and comfortable accommodations. Financial resources :from the two main ways most of the investment by the parent company of Jin Jiang International Group, Another way is through public financing, Jinjiang along with its parent company, the Jin Jiang International Hotel Group in December 2006 in the success of the Hong Kong main board market market, opened overseas financing channels, into a period of rapid expansion. Jinjiangs technical capacity Committed reflected in the company since the date of the establishment of the call center systems and related software, custom development and marketing, especially telemarketing system has been independently developed by the company, the industry praise Jinjiang Inn the first in the industry to develop independent website and booking system, large client systems and guest satisfaction survey feedback system. Reputation resources: are mainly reflected in Jinjiang since its inception in 1996, continues to be rated as Shanghai Famous Trademark, Shanghai, the most growth service marks, Shanghai Famous Brand won consecutive year 2006-2007 first top ten top brand influence of the Chinese economy hotel , Chinas economy hotel brand Pioneer honorary title. Therefore, Jinjiang Inn has a very good reputation image. Innovation is mainly reflected in three aspects First, the introduction of low budget hotel high-end products. The budget hotel market can continue to be subdivided into high medium and low market, the current budget hotel is mainly concentrated in the mid-market, Jinjiang keen to seize this vacancy, launched a low-high-end products. Prices of low-end brands in the 100-150 yuan, the low-end brands target customer is still a business and family tourists, mainly for price sensitive crowd followed, the prices of high-end brands in the 250-350 yuan, product updates to Five Dynasties. More specialized than the third-generation product, the fourth-generation products humane, more suitable for the accommodation needs of business travelers, the fifth generation of the product is a green concept hotel last product, create Jinjiang chef. Jinjiang Chef pure restaurant chain brand Jinjiang Inn Co., Ltd. was founded, it is committed to the the Jinjiang high grade dining culture into ordinary diet , and reduce costs through the chain, so the popularity of high-end cuisine, so people can experience the connotation of the Chinese diet. (Zou, 2005). Conclusion: Can be obtained from the above analysis, Jinjiang main advantage of resources that the technical resources, innovative resources and reputation of resources, that intangible resources. Therefore, Jinjiang should focus on the use of its intangible resources to enhance their own status in the budget hotel market. Conclusion Technology market which the mobile phone industry, the hotel industry and tourism market, tangible and intangible resources, analysis and comparison, I have come to the following conclusions, tangible resources are the basis of the intangible resources, intangible resources is the sublimation of physical resources, both of those combined with each other in order to make the company or companies more competitive, with the social progress and the development of resources, many companies have shifted from the tangible resources to the development of intangible resources, tangible resources, most companies will get, but the intangible resources,accumulated by business or the companys long-term thing, others not learn, intangible resources is the fundamental driving force of the development of the company or enterprise, in the mobile phone industry, Apples patented technology in particular attracted worldwide attention, the hotel industry,Although it is an emerging industry, the hotel ind ustry in the past, the emphasis on physical resources and hardware facilities, while ignoring intangible resources, such as the brand, and so, but with the progress of society, many hotels have recognized the importance of intangible resources vigorously develop intangible resources, which will be after the mainstream of enterprise development
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)