Product and Service Classifications

Product and service classifications Products and services wide range, whether for personal use or business. Tangible, intangible. Depend on function they serve. Can be raw, unfinished or final goods.Generally classified depending on domestic use (final) or conducting business (further processes) Organization, person, place and idea (IS) marketing POOP Organization marketing – Activities to sell the org Create, change, maintain the attitudes and behavior s of target consumers toward an organization Business firms sponsor advertising campaigns to improve image or market themselves to publics and stakeholders.Helps to market for free in media and improve investment confidence and improve sales from getting publicity Person marketing – Used to build reputation of people – recognized/business people. Create, change, maintain attitudes towards specific people. Make use of well- known people to represent products to help them sell. Egg Big razors with Tended Miterwort a ka â€Å"the Beast† Skillful marketing can turn person's name into a powerhouse brand.Egg Donald Trump and his self- titled products. Place marketing – Create, change, maintain attitudes toward specific places from local to international. Places are competing against each other for tourism business. Egg Tomorrow land in Belgium and Pizza in Spain both well- known party places of the world. Ideas marketing and social marketing can be general or specific The diffusion of notions which help market a product or service.It is more than advertising, it encourages the broad range use of marketing tools = all marketing strategies Like advertising that Colgate toothpaste is number 1 Part of this marketing is social marketing – process of planning campaigns that influence individual's behavior toward helping a society's well- being using marketing tools – all marketing tools 1) Benefits they want 2) Reducing barriers they're concerned about and BY offend BEEPER 3) The use of persuasion to motivate their participation in programmer activities.Social marketing makes use of campaigns to promote awareness, such as health campaigns for cancer, environmental campaigns for environment protection and others that promote equality and rights. Classified depending on the kind of consumers who use them. The distinction between the two is the purpose for buying the product. If a lawn mower is bought just for home use it is a consumer product. If bought for lawn mowing business it is an industrial product. Part 1 Consumer products are Prod and service bought for final consumption. Classified on how they are bought.CUSS – buying behavior, compare, cost, distribution, promotion frequency/method. Convenience P&S's are Bought frequently, immediately with minimal effort and without much pre purchase landing, info gathering or brand comparing. Except popular brand names, well known Egg – sweets, cigarettes, fast food. Are usually low priced, placed in locations that make them easily available when needed. (been in maturity stage for long time) egg coca cola Mass promotion – Low customer involvement Unsought P;S's Consumer don't know about or not think of buying or negative interest toward. Most new products on market are unsought.Egg life insurance or blood donations. Price varies, Distribution varies, Aggressive promoting by producer/reseller Shopping P;S's are pass Less frequently purchased products and services, higher price that customers compare carefully on price quality, suitability and style. Lots of time spent gathering info/comparing. Products distributed to few outlets, given info for comparison effort Egg Airline services, furniture. Advertising and personalized target selling by producer and reseller. Special itty As are Unique BRAND/characteristics ID = Loyalty. Certain groups willing to make special effort to get. Exclusive distribution and outlets to purchase, High price/low sensitivity cause of this do n't compare; invest only time needed to reach dealers carrying. Role/custom designed clothing. Specific targeting by producer/reseller Part 1 Industrial products are Products purchased for further processing or for use in conducting business Materials and Parts INPUTS/resources Price and service are the major marketing factors. Branding and advertising are less important. Raw materials consist of farm products such as livestock or fruit and Natural products such as wood and iron ore.Manufactured materials and parts consist of: Component materials like iron and cement and Component parts like motors and trees. Capital items PRODUCTIONS Aid in the buyer's production or operations, including installations and accessory equipment Installations consists of major purchases like building (factories and offices) and fixed equipment like (generators, large computer systems) Accessory equipment includes Portable factory equipment and tools such as tractors and hand tools Office equipment such as computers and office desks, they have shorter life than installations and aid in the production process.Supplies and services (business) sups ORBS services Bad m Supplies are the convenience products of the industrial field because purchased with minimum effort or comparison Operating supplies such as coal, paper, pencils Repair and maintenance items such as paint, nails and brooms Business services are services supplied under contract Include Maintenance and repair services such as carpet cleaning or computer repair. Business advisory services such as legal services or advertising.

Nordstrom Incâ€analyzing Financial Performance

NORDSTROM INC—ANALYZING FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE RETURN ON OPOERATING ASSETS ADDITIVE DUPONT MODEL Summary Nordstrom is one of the oldest retail companies in the United States. It started from 1901 in Seattle and has been grown to a powerful retailer in national area. Selling high quality products is the most important method for Nordstrom to collect its revenue. At the same time, Nordstrom also offers credits and debts to customers by his banks. In this case, we are trying to analysis Nordstrom’s financial statements and calculate few simple ratios to approach the performance of this company.The main point in our analysis is to figure out how Nordstrom is using its operating assets to get returning. a). ROE is used to measure the net profit in a period as a percentage of shareholder’s equity. In other word, ROE means how much net income we can get by using shareholders’ investment. ROE is more important than net income in dollar terms because ROE is a ratio. Ratio allowed analysts to compare companies’ performance over the period. In fact, the ratio can also help us compare companies in a different size or different industry.Net income in dollar terms is not widely used because this method is limited by companies’ different situations. b). ROE and RONA are both useful methods to determine a company’s performance. However, ROE and RONA measure a company’s performance in a different way. ROE considers entire company’s income, expenses and gain/loss of a company’s profit; RONA only consider a company’s net profit from operating activities. On the other hand, ROE calculates all returns which come from shareholder’s building of equity; RONA only calculates the operating assets and liabilities which don’t include the financing activities.The non-operating portion of ROE represents is that a company captures profit from financing activities and investing activities (both of them a re not operating activities). c). Marginal tax rate means a rate of tax that one company needs to pay on its next dollar of taxable income. Marginal tax rate will affect company’s future economic decisions because this tax rate is related to the economic situation. So, companies not only need to consider federal income tax but also need to consider state income tax. Tax shield is the tax reduction, which is created by items that are allowed to take deduction from tax income.For instance, interest on debt is tax-deductible, taking on debt makes tax shield. Tax shield is an important method to saving cash flow and it is a significant part of companies’ business valuation (Wikipedia, 2012). d. (in millions)| Fiscal 2009| Fiscal 2008| Fiscal 2007| Operating assets| 6,579| 5,661| 5,600| Operating liabilities| 2,394| 1,938| 1,988| Net operating assets| 4,185| 3,723| 3,612| e. 2009 NOPAT= 441 + [(138? (1- 38. 5%)] = 526 2008 NOPAT= 401 + [(131? (1-38. 5%)] =482 The dollar amo unt of Nordstrom’s tax shield from nonoperation activities in fiscal 2009 is $53 ( $ 138 x 38. 5 % ). f. 009 RNOA = $526 /[($4,185 + $3,723)/2] = $526 / $3,954 = 13. 3% 2008 RNOA = $482 /[($3,723 + $3,612)/2] = $482 / $3,668 = 13. 1% g. RNOA is improved over the two years. In order to understand the increase, we can examine NOPM and NOAT. NOPM is 6. 1 % ( $ 526 / $ 8, 627) in 2009 and 5. 6 % ( $ 482 / 8, 573) in 2008. NOPM analyzes the amount of net operating profit after tax for each dollar that is been earned by sales. The increase in NOPM may be seen a small increase but if the volume of the sales is considered, the increase would have huge impact on a increase in net income. NOAT is 2. 18 % ($ 8, 627 / 3,954) in 2009 and 2. 4 % ($ 8, 573 / 3, 688) in 2008. The decrease in NOAT shows that the company is less efficient and effective in terms of generating sales by use of assets. To conclude, it could be said that the company achieved better probability by a worse use of ope rating assets. However, the stance of the company is good and becoming better if we emphasize the increase in RNOA over the two years. h. 2009 ROE = $441 /[($1,572+ $1,210)/2] = 31. 7 % Non operating return: ROE – RNOA = 31. 7 % – 13. 3 % = 18. 4 % 2008 ROE = $401 /[($1, 210 + $ 1,115)/2] = 34. 5 % Non operating return: ROE – RNOA = 34. 5 % – 13. 1 % = 21. 4 % The ROE is decreased from 34. % to 31. 7 % over the two years. The difference between ROE and RNOA shows that there is non-operating return. Non-operating returns shows the effect of debt to finance operating assets. Moreover, it shows that Nordstrom uses liabilities or debt to increase operating assets and earnings. Nordstrom uses debt and the cost of the debt is less than the earnings, therefore it is beneficial for the company. i. Net non-operating obligations 2007: $261+ $2,236 = $2,497 2008: $275+$24+$$2,214 = $2,513 2009: $356+2,257= $2,613 FLEV 2009: [($2,613+$2,513)/2]/$1,390 = 1. 84 2008: [ $2,523+$2,497)/2]/$1,163 = 2. 15 It shows that Nordstrom has $1. 4 of non-operating liabilities for every dollar of shareholder’s equity. The company has less financial leverage compare to year 2008. Additionally, the company does not have non-operating assets; FLEV measure can be used as company’s debt-to-equity ratio too. Spread 2009: 13. 3% – ($85/$2,563) = 10. 0% 2008: 13. 1% – ($81/$2,505) = 9. 9% Nordstrom’s RNOA earned 13. 3% and 13. 1% in 2008 and 2009, while the company paying only 3. 3% and 3. 2% for its debt. Therefore, it means that the company operating return exceeds the cost of borrowing. Non-operating return 2009: 1. 84 x 10. 0% = 18. 4% 2008: 2. 15 x 9. 9% 21. 3% j. Nordstrom| TJX| Return on equity| 31. 7%| 48. 3%| RNOA| 13. 3%| 38. 3%| NOPM| 6. 1%| 6. 1%| NOAT| 2. 1%| 6. 28%| Non operating return| 18. 4%| 10. 1%| FLEV| 1. 84| 0. 29| Spread| 10. 0%| 34. 9%| The ROE of Nordstrom is 31. 7% and TJX 48. 3% show that both of the compani es are very profitable. The companies are very different than each other in terms of strategies. Nordstrom mostly uses leverage in order to increase the returns; on the other hand, TJX uses mostly stockholders equity and less leverage. Both of the companies have the same NOPM at 6. 1% that states that both companies make 6. 1 cents after tax for every dollar of sale.Furthermore, TJX has better operating asset turnover (NOAT) than Nordstrom, which shows that TJX is converting its operating assets to cash three times faster than Nordstrom. RNOA is calculated by multiplying NOAT and NOPM that is 13. 3 % for Nordstrom and 38. 4 % for TJX. The non-operating return is different for companies. The numbers are 18. 4 % for Nordstrom and 10. 1 % for TJX. The numbers show that Nordstrom has more leverage than TJX. Nordstrom’s FLEV is much higher than TJX which shows that TJX has less obligations and leverage than Nordstrom with regarding to equity. TJX’s spread is 3 times higher than Nordstrom.Although both companies have relatively close non-operating expenses to non-operating obligations number ( cost of debt ), the difference in Spread is related to RNOA numbers. Additionally, TJX does not have many obligations, which lead to low non-operating return. k. In order to improve RNOA in 2010, the company can improve its NOPM or its NOAT. Nordstrom managements have to improve their sales and reduce the expenses so as to improve NOPM. Decreasing the amount of operating assets such as long-term fixed assets can increase NOAT. Additionally, they can try some ways to collect account receivable quickly, sell inventories quickly nd sell some property or equipment. In terms of liabilities, Nordstrom managements can defer to pay bill in account payable and income tax liabilities. These methods may improve Nordstrom’s RNOA. Conclusion Nordstrom Inc. ’s RNOA ratio shows that the company’s financial performance in 2009 is slightly better than in 2008 . More specifically, the RNOA is increased from 13. 3% to 13. 1 % over the two years but its ROE is decreased. The difference between ROE and RNOA shows that there is non-operating return. Non-operating returns shows the effect of debt to finance operating assets.Moreover, it shows that Nordstrom uses liabilities or debt to increase operating assets and earnings. Nordstrom uses debt and the cost of the debt is less than the earnings, therefore it is beneficial for the company. Based on the data from balance sheet, on the other hand, the managements utilized more liabilities in 2009 than 2008 to increase the returns.. That means Nordstrom’s managers did good jobs in financial performance in 2009. However, compared with others more successful companies in the same industry, such as TJX, Nordstrom managements should try others effective methods to improve their returns.

Brief Outline Of The Problem

Brief Outline Of The Problem 1. Introduction: 1.1 Background: In today’s world of business, information is considered as wealth. The more an organization knows about a particular course of action, the better it is equipped to get on such a pursuit and almost certainly yield success. Information is an empowering advantage that enables an organization to optimize and maximize itself and at the same time move towards their goals and missions. It allows contact with other organizations whether in a competitive or alliance stance (Claudia Klausegger et all. 2007). Managing all the information is the critical function of any organization and needs to be efficiently managed, otherwise it will lead to â€Å"information overload†, which then will contribute to inefficiencies, rising costs, and hinders in business success (Varian, Hal R, 2000). Information is gathered around the key functions of management such as planning, organizing, staffing, controlling and communicating. Among these functions, MIS is c loser to the controlling function as it provides feedback on organizational performance and helps in monitoring. Information management provides a practical insight into the techniques used in assessing the impact of information technology in a business. It uses technology for collecting, processing and considering information with a goal of efficient management (Gordon B. Davis, 2003). Information and communication systems address the absolute need for effective use of information and communication technologies in monitoring and acquiring data, computer-based modelling, and decision support and knowledge-based systems. 1.2 Brief outline of the problem: There so many new technologies out there in so many ways that one may now feel an overload of information, hence, achieving a diminishing marginal utility status in our brains. We have now therefore a need to organize and reorganize these pieces of information constantly as to be able to keep track of which of them are valuable to us and which ones are not. 1.3 Approach and Methodology: All the above will be achieved through desk research or secondary research, the use of recommended materials and lecture notes, internet and related industries. 2 Analyses: 2.1 The glut of information: Attention is undoubtedly one of the most scarce resources around the globe in both public and private sector organizations and increasingly so. There is load of information all around us, on our hard drives, our organizations’ databases, the Internet, printed documents, commercial publications, emails, subscription-based services yet we’re frustrated when trying to locate and use it (Kevin A. Miller, 2004). Organisations are being turned inflexible due to excessive growth or mismanagement of information – this state of overloaded information is called ‘the information glut’. Constant introduction of the information and communication systems does not make the situation any better; in fact it is lay ered over existing systems thus significantly increasing the information load. Therefore, planning and co-ordination of information and communication become of supreme importance to business success (Guus Pijpers, 2010). 2.2 Dearth of attention: Attention involves understanding how to work within an overabundance â€Å"information competition†, whether interfacing with customer, co-workers, or our own priority list. Leaders of organization, for example, must manage attention on several levels. They must direct their own attention to particular project and information, they must focus the attention of their employee on the most profitable activities, and they must attend to the most important buyers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. If the organization is to achieve its goal effectively, the need of managing its information is of critical importance (Iselin, E. R. 1999). The over increasing amount of digital information should not be viewed as a simple data resource or stora ge burden. Rather, it is an asset which holds an organization together. With the right approach, information growth can stimulate growth in the business. Without it, information can be a burden that contributes inefficiencies and rising costs, hinders growth and stiles innovation (Hanka, 2000).

Claims that management's pursuit of efficiency and effectiveness have Essay

Claims that management's pursuit of efficiency and effectiveness have been at the expense of labour's welfare are not valid - Essay Example Only then, they might become motivated towards the responsibilities of work, thereby enhancing the profit margin and revenue of the organization. Therefore, the success of the organization might prove effective for the management or the employer to meet the goals and aims in long run. As a result, the sustainability and competitiveness of the organization might remain in the market among other rivals. Hence, it may be depicted that the free flowing of an organization would only be possible with the combined effort of both employee and employer. Arguments Theories and Concepts that highlights that employee welfare is essential Labour welfare is one of the most vital facets of an organization without which an organization may not prosper in long run. According to Phipps (2011), labour welfare is described as the measures that should be adopted by the management of an organization for the achievement of the physical, social, psychological and general needs of the employees. It might hel p to improve the dedication level of the employees towards their working responsibilities and duties. Along with this, it might also help in improvement of the economic condition of the worker resulting in amplification of stability and consistency. Apart from this, it also helps in reduction of rate of absenteeism thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the workers. Therefore, it might be clearly stated from the above mentioned points that labour welfare is essential for the organizational improvement and up-gradation (Phipps, 2011). This fact may be clearly highlighted with the help of the theories stated below: Philanthropic Theory Waddell, Jones & George (2011), Philanthropic theory is entirely a benevolent approach that means ‘to help others’. According to this theory, it is the duty of an individual to help others so that they might get all their basic needs such as food, water, shelter, clothes and others. It is done entirely from the internal urge of a human being to remove the sufferings of others. Similarly, it is the duty of the managers of an organization to help the employees with better working conditions, shelter, clothes, food and wages. This might offer a positive impact over the employees thereby enhancing their moral and loyalty towards the organization and work. Due to which, the performance of work and devotion might increase resulting in fulfilment of the goals and aims of the organization (Waddell, Jones & George, 2011). Paternalistic or Trusteeship theory This theory states that the management or the higher-authority of an organization is entirely responsible for the profits and assets of the enterprise. He or she is regarded as the trustee of the organization. So, it is the duty of the management or manager of the organization is to provide some amount of fund or profit for the development or well-being of the employees in a continuous process. Only then, the economic condition and position of the employees o f the organization might become better resulting in improvement of the motivation power and morale significantly. Along with this, it might also prove effective for the organization in attainment of its goals in future era (Phipps, 2011). So, employee welfare is surely a duty of managers. Placating Theory Caldari, 2011 offers high attention over this theory of Placating. According to the author, in recent age maximum extents of the

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

Cost and Management - Assignment Example ant, or a management accountant must â€Å"perform their professional duties in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and technical standards (1996, 23).† Lis proposal clearly violates laws, regulations and technical standards by incorporating her personal assets in order to increase the companys assets, as well as making her employee shoulder temporarily a part of the expenses in order to increase the companys income. Aside from violating the standard of competence, Lis proposal also violates the standard of integrity, which according to Horngren, Bamber & Stratton, accountant should â€Å"refrain from engaging in any activity that would prejudice their ability to carry out their duties ethically [and to] refrain from engaging in or supporting any activity that would discredit the profession (1996, 23).† The philosophy behind accounting is to come up with reports that will show the performance of the company to people with vested interests to the company, such as the government, for the taxes, and the companys investors such as shareholders and creditors. With accounting, fair and accurate information is desired to be produced for the purpose of objectivity, another ethical standard for accounting. Only with objective information will people such as investors and creditors will put their trust on the company, investing on the company for the hope of gaining some return through competent management in the process. This will be violated with Lis proposal, as well. A. Using the Weighted Average method, prepare a production cost report (following the 4 steps outlined in the text) for the Strings department for October. Round to 4 decimal places for unit costs and to the nearest dollar in the production cost report. C. Assume that in order to remain competitive, the company undertook a major cost-cutting program during February. Would the effects of this cost-cutting program tend to show up more under the weighted average or under the FIFO method? Explain your

Church and State Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Church and State - Essay Example One of the most imperative objectives behind exploring the topic above-mentioned includes seeking the answer to the question whether or not there appears any need for the formulating of the new phase of relations between the church and state in the best interests of the masses at large. Hence, the present paper will provide an insightful outlook of the topic under-examination by seeking support from the works created by the scholars. The fast and continuous alterations being witnessed in the contemporary era all over the world have forced the thinkers and political and social scientists to re-determine and review the role of church or institution of religion in order to avoid and escape the extremism that appears to be challenging the peace and harmony of the social establishments on the one side, and adding their share in widening the gulf of hatred and conflict among the cultures following the divergent religious belief systems within their respective political jurisdictions on the other during the contemporary era. Consequently, the world looks reflecting the scenario of chaos and disorder even after the advent of marvelous scientific and technological advancements making the life peaceful, comfortable and luxurious one in general. There was a time when the entire Europe used to be submitting to the decrees issued by the church. The establishment of the Holy Roman Empire was also the outcome of the dominance i nfluence of church on state and all its institutions. While elaborating the position of church and state in his remarkable â€Å"The Prince†, distinguished Italian philosopher Machiavelli strongly demands the separation of church from the political affairs of government and state (2010, p.45). It is partly due to the very reality that the ecclesiastical principalities or religious rules are unable to cope with the historical patterns altogether. Since the church lays stress upon specific mode of worship as well as leading the life in a standardized manner, the same could not be observed practically in any region of the entire globe. One of the most dominant reasons behind the same is this that the people belonging to divergent faiths, factions and sects co-exist in one and the same socio-political establishment; and if the (Catholic) church representing just one faction of one single faith looks for the masses’ strict observing of the Catholic code of laws, there will be bright probabilities of conflict and clashes in society, leading to anarchical state of affairs in the country subsequently. Rousseau refutes the implementation of religious and social laws by stating that man was born free, but everywhere he is in chains (2008, p.15). Hence, he does not appear to be surrendering before the heavy burdens of laws, which challenge the human liberty in one way or the other. Taking the precedent of the contemporary era rigid orthodox states of Afghanistan and Pakistan, it becomes evident that the nefarious extremist deoband sect of Muslims has made the life of the non-Muslim and peaceful Shiite Muslims miserable and pathetic one by inflicting pains and sufferings upon them with the aim of forcing them to adopt their religious policies and ways at any cost. Such a condemnable religious prejudice has destroyed the efficiency of the political institution on the one side, and has caused the ruination of social fabrics on the other. It is therefore, Machi avelli’s arguments (2010, pp. 47-8) with regards to separation of church and state still carry weight even nearly five centuries after its first publication in 1532. In addition to this, the undue and unnecessary

Reaction about the Movie The Road Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Reaction about the Movie The Road - Essay Example Other complimentary characters are introduced as the theme of the story builds gradually. The Road is an awesome movie with well-coordinated scenes that result in a tear-jerking film on how a family struggles together in search of a better day. No depiction of the events that had just happened to earth is given. In any case, there is no need for that since no explanation is valid enough for the horrific scene that the movie presents. The viewers see a horrid scene of ash and a planet that is reduced to a vanishing, crumbling husk. There is no food or any form of life or a habitable place. Human bodies are strewn all over, bodies of survivors who were scared of cannibalism and had given up hope. Viggo and his son saunter to the south, closer to the equator, to avoid the harsh winter conditions. That presents the only hope in the movie â€Å"the road†, a road where humans are now cannibals and have to eat each other to survive, creating a dreadful scene of misery. The few surviv ors are no longer morally upright and need to feast on each other with abandon. An interesting contrast is created between â€Å"good guys† and â€Å"bad guys†, and this presents the concept of morality captivatingly. Morality and humanity drive the thesis in a simple approach that is easy to understand by even non-movie enthusiasts. Viggo presents a brilliant performance that typifies a man who believes in a better day. The characters anticipate an early death and are perplexed on whether to die or trudge on. The destruction of the world renders father and son homeless and makes them desperate scavengers with a miserable future and a desperate need to preserve humanity. The movie is unique in the way that it presents the story through the perception of the protagonists. There are no Hollywood representations in the presentation, just two main characters with a realistic need to survive.  

Chinese New Year Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

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Jackson Pollock and Modern Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Jackson Pollock and Modern Art - Essay Example The essay "Jackson Pollock and Modern Art" explores the art of Jackson Pollock and his impact in the context of Modern Art. He was â€Å"a roughshod, ill-mannered, prodigiously ambitious, aggressive, alcoholic, tormented artist .† This image is important to an interpretation of the apparently chaotic nature of much of Pollock’s works, and the technique that led to them. However, as is often the case with creative artists of all sorts, and particularly painters such as Pollock, there was a method to his madness. As Toynton has pointed out, films of Pollock creating his paintings clearly show that even the most abstract of them start as figurative works and only move into the abstract as they develop.Pollock moved his canvas from the easel to the floor, thus enabling him to work on much larger canvases with greater ease than before, and also to see them from multiple points of view. In one revealing statement he talked about his technique and why he used it: My painting d oes not come from the easel. I hardly ever stretch the canvas before painting. I prefer to tack the unstretched canvas to the hard wall or the floor. I need the resistance of a hard surface. On the floor I am more at ease. I feel nearer, more part of the painting, since this way I can walk around it, work from the four sides and literally be in the painting. It is interesting to note that Pollock takes an intense and yet casual approach to his painting. Thus the fact that he does not go through the often laborious process. of stretching the canvas before painting on it, but rather merely tacking it to a wall or floor illustrates the casual, almost primitive method of preparation. At the same time Pollock becomes more intensely involved with the painting, as if he were actually a part of it: I continue to get further away from the usual painter's tools such as easel, palette, brushes, etc. I prefer sticks, trowels, knives and dripping fluid paint or a heavy impasto with sand, broken glass or other foreign matter added. When I am in my painting, I'm not aware of what I'm doing. It is only after a sort of 'get acquainted' period that I see what I have been about. I have no fear of making changes, destroying the image, etc., because the painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through. It is only when I lose contact with the painting that the result is a mess. Otherwise there is pure harmony, an easy give and take, and the painting comes out well. (Varnedoe, 23) The idea of being "in" the painting is of course hardly new to Pollock, but the fact that his technique apparently fitted into his emotional and intellectual attachment to the painting is. His physical technique: standing on and thus within the painting, had a profound effect both upon his creations and upon generations of creative artists in general and painters in particular, for years both during and after his lifetime. Pollock hinted, although never explicitly stated, that he was influenced by Native American sand paintings, which are made by trickling thin lines of colored sand onto a flat surface. After WWII, in 1947 Pollock began what he called his "action paintings", which were at least partially informed by the surrealist ideas of "psychic automatism". This automatism was meant to be a direct expression of the unconscious. A direct expression of something which is, by definition, unknowable to the conscious mind might seem a

Self Assessment Essay Example for Free

Self Assessment Essay â€Å"The greatest success is successful self-acceptance† (Ben Sweet). I am a twenty-seven year old single mother to a two-year-old healthy boy. I was born in Monterey Park, California and raised in the city of El Monte. Growing up, my parents always kept me busy. I danced and performed â€Å"La Quebradita† a Mexican dance and played soccer since the age of six. I attended Nativity Catholic School then graduated from El Monte High School with a GPA of 3. 78. I was involved with student government, sports such as volleyball, soccer, and softball, and received a couple of scholarships upon graduating. I received my Associates Degree from East Los Angeles College in 2008 where I continued my soccer experience by playing for their women’s soccer team. I am the first sibling in my immediate family to try and pursue a college degree. I grew up with a younger sister and brother who look up to me dearly. My parents taught us to stay by each other’s side so we could take on the world together when times got rough. My mom is an instructional aid while my dad works in the construction industry. My parents worked hard to raise and instill good values and morals for their three children. Five of my greatest strengths, which I have acquired throughout the years, are harmony, consistency, significance, discipline, and responsibility. Regardless of my strengths and accomplishments, my greatest challenge in life is successful self-acceptance. I am always pushing myself to do my best to satisfy others rather than myself. I cannot accept myself if others do not approve. Slowly, I am realizing it is impossible to make the whole world happy if I am not truly happy. I am learning to take time for myself and follow through with tasks that make me feel skilled. Furthermore, the best word that describes me is generous. I am an individual who puts others’ needs before my own. For example, if I am driving and stop to buy food, regardless of how hungry I may be, I will kindly give my food away if I see someone who might need it more than I do. I enjoy assisting people without expecting a reward in return. A good deed is a reward within itself. It makes me feel content about my character. In fact, you will never know if one day it will be your turn on the other side of a bad situation. Time is priceless. Many people get caught up in their daily routines and forget about the little things that at one time had a significant amount of importance in their lives. I try to set up my days to make time for family, old friends, new friends, and everything else in between. Keeping open connections with many people can save your life one day. Therefore, there is no such thing as being too generous. You give of yourself what you can, when you can, and however you can in the best way possible. On the other hand, my generosity sometimes gets in the way of the important issues I might have to resolve in a day. There are a few challenges I will have to work at during this program. For instance, learning how to prioritize and stay on task in order to be able to be successful. Particularly, when studying and completing homework is at stake. In fact, I am trying to establish a routine for myself to allow a couple of hours per day on homework so it will not be over whelming. Another challenge I have to work on is my time management skills. Due to my motivation to give my son a better life, I need to learn how to balance my time with my son, schoolwork, and job. On the whole, I want to succeed in raising my son and continue to give him the attention and love he depends upon, finishing my school work so it can be acceptable at the university level, and be well rested to be able to function properly during my job hours. In addition, I would like my professor to know that I am not only motivated but can also be intimidated by the events going on in my life. I am motivated to show people who gave up on me along the way my capabilities as well as for myself. I am determined to finish this cohort with a minimum of a â€Å"B† grade average. However, I am not perfect and there will be times when I oversee an assignment or be overwhelmed. I will do my best to stay on task at all times but in case if I slack off I may need a reminder as to why I am putting in all this effort into obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree. As well as completing my Bachelor’s Degree, I am in the Liberal Studies program because I have a passion for working with children. I believe the early years of a child’s life will determine their future; therefore I want to make their time in school an amazing one they can carry on. I appreciate a child’s laugh, take in a child’s fear, and comfort when it is needed. Young children are always absorbing situations around them. I want to be an honorable role model and learn to be a good communicator. I feel I can learn these concepts by majoring in Liberal Studies. Upon my graduation, my goals are to continue in the field of education. I plan to enroll in the Moderate to Severe Credential program for children with autism. This field requires patience and compassion, which I believe I possess. Next, I am aiming towards my Masters in Education and finally my Administrative credential. I believe with the help of this excellent school, I can achieve my goals in furthering my education.

Analysing the history of human relations movement

Analysing the history of human relations movement This assignment will analyse the human relations movement from when and how it was formed to its importance in management structure today. It will include relevant information about classical and scientific management providing an example of an organisation today. It will conclude with whether classical and scientific management has been eradicated by the human relations movement. To begin with the human relations movement focuses on the environment and conditions in which employees are expected to work; the attitude and behaviour within the workplace; the social relations between employees and managers and how satisfied the employee is in the workplace. All these factors can be motivators for employees to improve their job performance. The human relations movement according to Mullins (2002, p903) can be defined as A management approach based on the consideration of and attention to the social factors at work and the behaviour of employees within an organisation and the satisfaction of individuals needs through groups at work. Elton Mayo was the founder of the human relations movement which occurred during the 1920s and 1930s. The idea for the human relations movement came from conducting a series of experiments which became known famously as the Hawthorne studies, this was created as a result of these experiments and their findings. As a Harvard professor, Elton Mayo was employed by the Hawthorne plant of the American Western Electric Company in Chicago because of the low productivity of workers which took place between 1927 and 1932. There were four stages to the Hawthorne experiments; the illumination experiments, the relay assembly test room, the interviewing programme and the bank wiring observation room. During the illumination experiment stage lighting was used as a factor to analyse the productivity of the staff. The employees were arranged into two groups one of which was a control group and the other an experimental group. The control group had the same amount of lighting throughout whereas the experimental group had lighting constantly changing. In both groups productivity increased even when lighting conditions became poor. As the results were inconclusive other experiments were arranged on factors other than the changes in working conditions. The relay assembly test room was the next stage in which s ix women workers were assessed. Here they changed working hours, lunch times and rests. Their observer was also using a friendly approach, listening to the employees and their complaints. The production increased again and this is when Mayo recognised that it was the fact that they were given attention and noticed by management that the productivity increased. A crucial part in the Hawthorne experiments was the interviewing programme which assessed how the workers felt towards their supervisors. They used a non-directive approach and interviewers would listen in a friendly non-judgemental manner. This found out more about the employees feelings and attitudes with more specific information about the management, supervision, company, working relations and even the workers lives and views. These results showed that relationships with people have an effect on the workers attitudes which in turn affects the productivity. The bank wiring observation room was another experiment that took p lace, where fourteen men were chosen to work in an observation room with working conditions that changed slightly over six months or more. The group began to form their own organisation and rules with their own informal social relations. Mayos conclusion was that the changes had been made in consultation with the employees, and that this factor had been the determining influence on productivity, together with the fact that the employees had a good working relationship with their supervisors. (Sutherland Canwell, 2004, p202-203) An example of an organisation that uses the human relations movement today is Google. They avoid bureaucracy with their employees and allow them to use their own initiative. The managers work with the employees to create ideas which they find relevant and work on projects which they think are of importance. They employ people who want to succeed and therefore will work to the best of their ability to make Google a success allowing them the choice to make their own changes in order to feel more motivated. The employees look forward to the social aspects of the job and sharing ideas, they also get the benefit of good quality food and services such as massages. The human relations movement conflicted with Frederick Winslow Taylors scientific management theory since Mayo believed that there must be other ways to motivate workers other than strict working procedures, financial incentives and scientifically timed tasks. There was a breakthrough in scientific management in 1911within the peak of the industrial revolution when Taylor published The Principles of scientific management which described the four principles of Taylors theory. These were that jobs should be broken down into different parts; workers should be trained and scientifically selected; management should co-operate with employees to make sure the method is reinforced and there should be equal division of work between both managers and employees. The principle object of management should be to secure the maximum prosperity for the employer (the development of every branch of the business to its highest state of excellence), coupled with the maximum prosperity for each employee (Taylor, as quoted in Boddy Paton, 1998, p48) The main reason for scientific management was to introduce a sense of control and order within the working environment. Productivity took longer because parts were being produced individually. This also meant that unskilled workers had the ability to do jobs when trained correctly by managers. Taylor believed that employees were lazy and the only way to motivate them was through financial incentives. This theory was followed by three more theorists; Frank and Lilian Gilbreth along with Henry Gantt. This is still alive today and is used as a management structure in some industries. An example of where scientific management is used today is in call centres. The employees are regularly checked up on by their supervisors in order to motivate them to give a good standard of service. They record and listen to their employees conversations in order to keep them under control. The employees are also given a basic wage and commission on every sale they make; they get bonuses for meeting daily or weekly targets. Classical management is another earlier theory that was developed by Henri Fayol who was known as the father of modern management. Fayol, (as quoted in G.A. Cole, 1996, P12) defined management as to forecast and plan, to organise, to command, to coordinate and to control. His theory consisted of 14 principles which were division of work so that employees knew their duties, authority and responsibility to give clear and reasonable instructions; discipline to show authority and be firm with employees when necessary; unity of command so that employees know their job; unity of direction so companies have an understandable strategy; subordination so that the employees put their job responsibilities first; remuneration so that employees get paid a fair wage; centralisation so that the organisation has a main control area; scalar chain meaning employees know their job positions; order so that the company is organised; equity to provide equal opportunities; stability of personnel to provide employees with job security; initiative so that employees dont constantly need to be told what to do by management and espirit de corps where employees work as a team to show company spirit. An example of where classical management is used today is Costco, a wholesale warehouse chain selling merchandise at lower prices for purchase by businesses. The CEO Jim Sinegal works on the retail floor with the employees, running the business and paying employees 50 percent more than competitors; contributing even more for health benefits. The businesses earnings grow at a faster pace than its top competitors showing that classical management is still effective. Even though the human relations movement is the management structure most common in todays industries it has not eradicated classical and scientific management as there are some world famous companies which use them today and have become successful in doing so.

Edna Pontellier’s Broken Wings in Kate Chopins The Awakening :: Chopin Awakening Essays

Broken Wings in The Awakening  Ã‚  Ã‚   Between the caged parrot with a huge cage â€Å"outside the door† that repeated â€Å"Get away! Get away! Damnation!† and Mr. Pontellier ‘s rebuke to his wife that she was â€Å"burnt beyond recognition,† and the description of him looking at his wife as â€Å"a valuable piece of personal property which has suffered some damage.† the antenna went up. There is not a welcoming beckon in the very beginning and we are alerted to the dysfunction of a marriage all with a page or two. It is a sad beginning. The introduction of Robert Lebrun along with Edna sets up the triangle. We are told that â€Å"Robert talked a good deal about himself. He was very young, and did not know any better. Mrs. Pontellier talked a little more about herself for the same reason. Each was interested in what the other said.† Robert from the onset has â€Å"plans† although he and Edna talk she has none. When Mr. Pontellier returns from Klein's hotel and awakens Edna, with criticism about her care of the children , after a night out with the boys. We begin to see him as thoughtless and as eligible as Edna for the same criticism. She goes into the adjoining bedroom and cries. This indifference on the part of her husband triggers, â€Å"An indescribable oppression, which seemed to generate in some unfamiliar part of her consciousness, filled her whole being with a vague anguish.† At this point the antenna were up and the story began to accelerate. We are told that Mrs. Pontellier was not a â€Å"mother woman†. The mother women in the story are easy to know â€Å"they (were) fluttering about with extended, protecting wings when any harm, real or imaginary, threatened their precious brood.† They grew wings as â€Å"ministering angels†. I noticed along with the caged birds in the opening of the story the number of bird images throughout. It is Mademoiselle Reisz that tells Edna, â€Å"The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth.’†Edna refers to her new home as â€Å"the pigeon-house†. It pleased her. â€Å"It at once assumed the intimate character of a home, while she herself invested it with charm which it reflected like a warm glow.

Henry V and Picard :: Star Trek Essays Papers

Henry V and Picard "The Defector" is the 38th episode from Star Trek the Next Generation's third season. This episode is received well by many ST TNG fans. The episode deals with several interesting and conflicting issues such as a traitor / defector, innate human qualities and a Shakespearean type leader. The most intriguing personality on the episode is Jean Luc Picard, the great captain. Picard has many similarities to Henry V, they both probe into every conflict and always prove to be a strong and capable leaders. They are both of strong character, conscientious, objective and intuitive. The story requires the captain utilize his outstanding qualities to decide if the exiled Romulan on his ship is trustworthy. If Picard believes Jaroc, it would mean going into the neutral zone and destroying a base in order to prevent a war. However, if Jaroc is lying this course of action will make Picard the instigator of a futile war. In the same way, if Henry's cause is unjust, the guilt and blame will lay on his head(Fisher 51). One of Picard's greatest qualities is his objectiveness. When Jaroc refuses to disclose any information, Picard diligently explores all his options. He decides to send a probe in order to reach the truth. Later, Jaroc attempts to prove his sincerity by revealing his identity. He discloses the emotional reasons for his presence aboard the Enterprise. Picard is not affected by Jaroc. By reason of his intuition, Picard continues to demand "irrefutable evidence" because he will not risk the welfare of the crew. Not only is he concerned about the welfare of the crew as a whole, but also on an individual level. In the opening to the episode, Picard attempts to aid Data in furthering his understanding of human behavior. Upon Data's request for advice, he suggests Shakespeare. Data plays the role of King when he performs the first scene of Act IV from Henry V(Peterson). In this scene, Henry disguises himself and mingles with his troops to share their ultimate fears on the eve before battle. "They have a discussion of leading one's men to die"(Lynch). Ironically, Picard directs the scene which parallels his position through the story. The fact that Henry V is one of Shakespeare's histories is very significant because history is the backbone of the episode. References to their history with Romulans are made. Such as to events on Galornden Core, in which Beverly the doctor explains that she recently gained a lot of experience with Romulan physiology.

Canada :: essays research papers

Investing In Canada Investing In Canada - Factors that are attractive for direct investment in Canada. Canada is the second largest country in the world, occupying close to 10 million square kilometres of land bounded by the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans. Canada shares a 6,000 kilometre border and the five largest freshwater lakes in the world with the United States. Known as the Great Lakes, they provide a route to the Atlantic via the St.- Lawrence Seaway, permitting direct access to international markets. More international companies are investing in Canada. The stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Canada has increased steadily over the past five years to reach over $130 billion last year. Investor confidence is high. International companies are discovering what firms in the United States have known for decades: it pays to invest in Canada. There is a government commitment to attract foreign direct investment. Canada's government provides a competitive, welcoming climate for international business. It is committed to fiscal responsibility, deficit reduction and job creation. The following are some essential points all of which prove Canada is a favorable choice: Domestic market; wage competitiveness; work force quality; International business skills; raw materials; energy costs; infrastructure; business services and legal environment. Domestic Market Canada's per capita purchasing power is second only to that of the United States, among the G-7 countries, and the OECD expects Canada to lead the industrialized countries in near-term economic growth. Inflation is below two per cent and forecast to remain low. Cost of money is lower than it has been for decades. Exports are at record high, having increased by 14 per cent in 1993 over 1992. Under free trade, Canadian-based companies have increased their market share of the Canada-U.S. market. Further, the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA), together with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which came into force on January 1, 1994, gives Canadian-based companies an unparalleled access to 365 million people, forming an economy larger than that of the European Community. The combined 1993 GDP value of the Canada-Mexico-U.S. market was in excess of $8.5 trillion. Competitive Wages and Benefit Rates: Many international corporations find the Canadian work force to be highly cost- effective. On average, wages in Canada's business centers are lower than those in nearly all major business centers around the world. Hourly wages of Canadian production workers have risen only 5.4 percent since 1990. Canadian manufacturing wage rates showed the second slowest growth among G-7 countries in 1992, averaging 2.6 percent. In contrast, hourly increases in Britain and Germany have been 12.4 and 14.3 percent, respectively. Educated and Skilled Work Force

A Dinner Menu

Burton Dinner Menu Some of my favorite memories of childhood revolve around dinner time. I have a huge family so once a month everybody tries to get together at my grandfather's house for dinner. Everybody takes turns cooking. I love cooking big meals, so when I turned 16 my mother told me it was my turn to cook for everybody. Of course she helped me out a lot. I had decided to make one of my favorite dishes, Chicken Marsala! In todays world it is so hard for all of use to get together. People have work or school and sports.It's nice that once a month we all take the time to get together. I enjoy every minute of it. I decided to start out the meal with a homemade salad straight from the garden. First I had to pick a bunch of vegetables from my mother's garden to use. The vegetables I decided to use are romaine lettuce, baby tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and carrots. I take the heads of lettuce and cut out the big chunky stem pieces. While I was doing that my mom diced the baby tomat oes, radishes, and cucumbers leaving the carrots for me because those are my favorite to cut.After the lettuce is cut and washed I move on to the carrots. I like the small slivers of them so I grab the grater and start on the carrots. A bag later and finally everything is cut and washed. Now comes the really fun part. I toss everything in the bowl and grab the huge spoon and fork meant for tossing the salad. My mom spins the bowl while I toss everything inside. Everything is topped with bacon bits and croutons. That goes into the fridge until everything is done. Now I get to start preparing the actual meal. I walk to the spice cabinet and start grabbing things I will need.I have to bring a basket with me to carry everything because the spice cabinet is in the upstairs kitchen. I toss the flour, olive oil, butter, the Marsala wine, chicken stock, salt and pepper, and dried chives. I walk to the fridge and grab the packages of chicken and the mushrooms. Once I get downstairs I grab a small bowl and mix the salt, pepper, and flour together. I put one teaspoon of oil in a skillet and put it on the stove and let it heat up slowly. I begin coating my chicken halves in the salt, pepper, and flour mixture, shaking off the excess.Once the il is heated I add a tablespoon of butter and start cooking the chicken until each side is golden brown. Usually that takes 3 or 4 minutes per-side. Once it is all cooked I put the chicken it in a pan and place that in the oven so it all stays warm. After that I put another teaspoon of butter in the pan I used to cook the chicken in, and toss the entire package of mushrooms into it. Once those have cooked for a few minutes I add the Marsala wine and chicken stock. I let that simmer for a bit so it thickens up a little. Once that is done I place the chicken back in the pan and toss in a pinch of ried chives.I let that cook on low heat for 5 minutes. I then grab out the plates and begin serving dinner. I place the big bowl ot salad in t he middle ot the table and we all take turns putting some on our plates. After dinner is done and cleaned up my mom and I start making the dessert, pumpkin spice cupcakes! I once again head upstairs with my trusty basket to grab all of my ingredients. I grab the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, salt, baking powder, baking soda, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, eggs, cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract.I walk downstairs trying to avoid the kids that keep running up and down the steps. I preheat the oven to 375 degrees and grease the cupcake tins. I sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove allspice, salt, baking powder, and baking soda and set it all aside. Next I Beat 1/2 cup of the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until it is all mixed together. I then add the eggs one at a time until they are all mixed in. After the last egg is added I stir in the milk and pumpkin puree.Slowly, I add ombine the dry mixture until everything is mixed together nicely. Finally the oven is preheated and I start scooping the cupcake mixture into the wrappers then into the tin. After 18 minutes they come out of the oven and are perfect! I set them all on a cooling rack and start on the cream cheese frosting. I beat the cream cheese and butter together while adding small amounts of confectioners' sugar until everything is mixed together and smooth. Then I add in the vanilla extract and one teaspoon of cinnamon. I transfer the frosting into a piping bag and decorate the cupcakes.Everybody rushes downstairs to get them while they are still warm. They smell amazing and taste even better. After everything was served and cleaned up we all sat down to relax and listen to my grandfather tell stories of his life growing up. Many of them we have all heard before, but none the less we sit and listen with intent. That one night a month is a day all of us look forward too. Family has always been important to all of us. These moments we all gather around the table to eat a home cooked meal, tell stories, and laugh are memories that I have and will always cherish.

Logistics costs

Logistics cost form an important part of the overall cost structure in any organization. Focus needs to be on renegotiating freight and shipping rates, reduction in overall freight costs and streamlining operations. The following are the measures (ways) that can be used to reduce cost in logistics New carriers: The use of Constant market rate check is a best practice. Usually, logistics managers get into a comfort zone with the existing carriers. The organization should look on other carriers which offers lowest cost of transportation. Market rate check will bring to light other more economical perations.New carriers may be more flexible in their price. Freight costs: There are several options to optimize freight costs. Renegotiation of minimum billing to a minimum for a zone needs to be explored. Product delivery coordination is another useful tool to streamline freight costs. Arrangements with a number of smaller carriers also provide the best rate/best service combination. Interne t offers excellent tools for comparing and optimizing freight costs. Improve shipping and receiving: Streamlining shipping and receiving practices will offer savings. This can happen hrough reduction of long time for receiving.Starting point should be mandating delivery appointments. A flow chart needs to be made of all the operations to determine wasteful processes and combining existing processes. Technology: Internet tools enable substantial reduction in paperwork. Documents are scanned and emailed to customs, ports etc. In case of cross border trade, documents needs to reach at least twenty four hours in advance to avoid delays at the border. Technology also allows coordination of all shipments to optimize loading. This minimize delays in delivery. Managing returns: Reverse logistics is an important element of freight costs.Most companies offer a liberal returns policy. If the customer is not satisfied with the product, it can be returned in a certain period depending on the sel ler. At times, the seller also arranges to pick it up. There should be streamlined processes so as to minimize costs associated with reverse logistics. Audit of freight costs: Use specialized agencies that provide post payment audit of freight bills. These agencies are usually paid on a profit sharing basis. These audits also provide valuable insight nto patterns and other cost reduction opportunities.Deborah Catalano Ruriani explained other ways (measures) of Cost reduction as: 1 . Eliminate supply chain bottlenecks. By periodically reviewing and analyzing their supply chain networks, companies can be able to pinpoint issues and proactively address them. Strategies to reduce or eliminate bottlenecks include addressing vessel schedule planning, ensuring proper documentation and regulatory compliance for imports and exports, and revamping network design. 2. Reduce inventory at the port, manufacturing sites, and warehouses. Companies often stock excess inventory because they lack supp ly chain visibility.To effectively reduce excess inventory, you have to gain reliable information on future orders. Visibility software can help. 3. Cut demurrage and detention tines. While an occasional tine may not seem like much, these costs can add up. Auditing carrier bills and tracking where issues occur in the supply chain can substantially cut fine payments. 4. Identify opportunities to shift modes. Without adequate visibility into logistics operations, a company may not realize that an air shipment could move by sea at a much lower cost. Companies that use technology to evaluate modal options typically see a five- to eight-percent cost reduction. . Use postponement strategies to divert inventory at an international gateway. A successful postponement strategy can dramatically lower forecasting errors as well as improve customer service by reducing out-of-stocks. Companies also can cut transport costs by reducing inventory misallocations and shipping more items in bulk. 6. Us e preferential trade agreements. Companies that take advantage of preferential status can save millions in duties and taxes. A software system that automates the ualification process can save time and effort, as well as improve compliance and data accuracy. . Rebalance supply and fulfillment networks by determining tax- efficient sourcing and distribution strategies. Companies must periodically review their supply chain networks to assess duties and logistics costs, labor costs, regulatory controls, and global political climates. By comparing geographic options, taking into account the costs and regulations of each option, companies can optimize their supply chain. 8. Become a self-filer. Using technology to connect electronically ith brokers lowers entry filing costs and reduces manual entry errors.It also can enable pre-clearance of goods at borders and reduce the number of staff needed internally to manage logistics operations while boosting productivity hence reduce cost. 9. Con trol your procurement process. By implementing a process-based workflow that includes tracking and managing order acceptance, consolidating invoices, creating shipments and generating documents† and by extending that process to trading partners† companies can reduce cycle times, cut supply chain execution costs, and better support compliance initiatives. 10. Implement performance management metrics and tools.Companies need a system, data, and tools to benchmark actions and make informed decisions. Developing a performance management process allows companies to manage service providers and critical cycle times to lower costs and continually improve performance 1 1 . Understand the true costs of sourcing overseas. Calculate freight, duty, brokerage, and inventory carrying costs to support these lengthened supply chains. Also factor in such items as the costs of engineers flying overseas. Once you understand the true total landed cost and total impact to the business 12. Fo cus on eliminating the variability out of transit times.The more variable the transit times are, the more likely it is that the receiving party is using more premium freight, building buffers of inventory, or ordering more often and more quantity than necessary to compensate for the uncertainty. Understanding these dynamics can lead to the conclusion that paying higher freight costs to insure higher variability actually saves your company in total costs. 13. Control your express shipping costs. Typically when a company runs into a supply chain issue, it will have an entire shipment sent on an express/expedited highest cost) service level basis.Panicking often results in higher costs. If the company would Just do a little bit of calculating it can determine the amount of goods that are needed immediately and have that amount sent using express/expedited service level, while the balance ot the shipment can be sent using a standard (lower cost) service level. 14. Informed decision-maki ng. Provide to the decision-makers/ customers of your logistics network the cost of freight for each service level, the reliability of each lane for each service level, and the true cost of carrying inventory so they can make informed decisions.People generally want to be good corporate citizens and will select the less expensive option that still meets their needs CHARACTERISTICS OF COST REDUCTION (HARD COST SAVINGS) The following are the characteristics of â€Å"Hard† cost savings, which is understood as tangible bottom line reductions are: year-on-year saving over the constant volume of purchased product/service, actions that can be traced directly to the Profit and Loss Account, direct reduction of expense or a change in process/technology/policy that directly reduces expenses, process improvements that result in real and measurable ost or asset reductions, examination of existing products or services, contractual agreements, or processes to determine potential changes th at reduce cost, and net reductions in prices paid for items procured when compared to prices in place for the prior 12 months or a change to lower cost alternatives. COST AVOIDANCE (SOFT COST SAVINGS) â€Å"Soft† cost avoidance is much more difficult to define.The following are Suggested definitions, which includes: Cost avoidance is a cost reduction that does not lower the cost of products/services when compared against historical results, but rather inimizes or avoids entirely the negative impact to the bottom line that a price increase would have caused, when there is an increase in output or capacity without increasing resource expenditure, in general, the cost avoidance savings are the amount that would have been spent to handle the increased volume or output, and Cost avoidances include process improvements that do not immediately reduce cost or assets but provide benefits through improved process efficiency, employee productivity, improved customer satisfaction, improv ed competitiveness, over time to mention the few, cost avoidance often becomes cost savings. N. B: Cost avoidance is a cost reduction that results from a spend that is lower than the spend that would have otherwise been required if the cost avoidance exercise had not been undertaken.This accounts for the situations where spend is higher due to higher demand but overall cost per unit is lower, where up-front investments reduce overall spend in one or more categories over a multi-year initiative, and where a process improvement or product replacement resulted in a lower operating cost or cost per unit compared to what the company would have spent had the company not improved the process or replaced the product. To Sum up, if the organization adopts this open definition of cost avoidance, and maintains a document of common examples and their associated metrics, which is updated each time a new type of project is encountered that could result in a cost avoidance, the organization can fu lly quantify the â€Å"hard† and â€Å"soft† savings delivered by the sourcing team to the management team.Measures of Cost Avoidance: Resisting or delaying a supplier's price increase, this is one of the ways of cost avoidance whereby the organization use techniques to resist or delay supplier price increase in avoiding cost. Use of purchase price that is lower than the original quoted price, The organization purchases its requirements at a lower price than what was initially quoted by the supplier so as to avoid cost. Value of additional services at no cost, the firm makes sure it avoid or prevent cost by making sure after sale services are obtained for free for instance installation, free training. Long-term contracts with price-protection provisions,the firm enters into long term contracts with the aim of cost sharing with the supplier. Introduction of a new product or part number requiring a new material purchases and spend is lower.COST REDUCTION CHALLENGES Some of the challenges faced by a company as they seek to assess cost reduction include: Cancellation of net savings due to an increase in the business unit's cost structure, Supply management's role in the cost savings allocation decision, Chronology of supply management's involvement and the need for budget cuts, Visibility, in terms of systems, people, and metrics, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) concept for purchases items/services, Multi-year issues in cost savings, and Creating a proper incentive structure for supply management personnel. TYPES OF COST REDUCTION AND AVOIDANCE The following are types of cost reduction and avoidance that need to be recognized as valid cost savings. This section presents some types of cost reduction and cost avoidance that can contribute significantly to the organization's bottom line.Negotiated Discounts against Material Cost Increases If the products being sourced are primarily made from a commodity whose average market price or index has increased si gnificantly since the last sourcing cycle, and a buyer manages to negotiate a price that increases less than the increase in underlying material costs since the last sourcing event, this is a valid cost avoidance. Substitution If a buyer manages to find another product that performs the same function, or is able to collaborate with a supplier to produce a functionally equivalent specification that is more economical to produce, then the buyer has obtained a cost reduction on behalf of the organization.. Waived Fees This form of cost avoidance is quite self-explanatory.For example, if a supplier normally charges an installation fee for a new piece of equipment, but the buyer is able to negotiate free installation, than this would be an example of cost avoidance of the waived fee variety. Another example would be free training or services. However, this is one example where the cost avoidance is not equal to what the vendor quotes, but what the market average for the service is.. Inve ntory Reduction This occurs when the buyer comes up with a strategy to reduce the inventory that the organization needs to hold at any given time. Since all inventories is associated with a carrying cost, inventory reduction often represents significant cost savings to an organization over time.Inventory can be reduced when a buyer finds a supplier who can handle a snorter lead time or when inventory is turned over to a vendor who pecializes in inventory management (Vendor Managed Inventory). Process Improvement Processes consume overhead, and overhead costs money. Thus, any significant process improvement could represent a significant cost avoidance to an organization. However, unlike the other types of cost avoidance, process improvement cost reductions can be a bit tricky to evaluate. The key is to look at the average number of units of product or work produced per day, week, or month prior to the improvement and the number of units of product or work produced per day, week, or m onth after the improvement and calculate a percentage improvement N.B: By doing this, the organization will have clearly defined cost reduction efforts, tied them to savings, defined their relative importance, and defined the share of the credit that will go to supply management in a cross-functional initiative. The organization will also have avoided the problem where the team over concentrates on finding â€Å"hard† dollar savings, which is a serious problem if raw material and energy costs keep rising significantly and the largest savings potential is in the â€Å"soft† savings realized by long- term process and product improvements. Transloading to Maximize Cost Savings By Deborah Catalano Ruriani Tags: Transportation Management Transloading offers a cost-effective way to bring ocean containers inland to distribution centers.By transferring cargo without sorting the contents for shipment to a single destination, transloading services can reduce total landed costs, and† when combined with value-added services such as palletizing and shrink-wrapping† reduce handling at the destination. Jeff McCorstin, senior vice president of air and ocean products for UPS Global Freight Forwarding, offers these tips for maximizing savings with transloading services. 1 . Understand general transloading rules. Transloading offers the greatest cost savings when ocean containers can be consolidated into fewer, larger domestic trailers. The cargo in three 40-foot ocean containers typically fits into two 53-foot domestic trailers. . Ensure overall transportation savings outweigh additional handling costs. Sometimes the savings are negated for destinations located farther east from the U. S. West Coast discharge port. 3. Consider palletizing cargo during transloading. To best use space in ocean containers, cargo is rarely palletized at the point of origin. Palletize during the ransloading process to improve distribution center (DC) handling efficiency. 4. Factor transloading into transit time estimates. Unloading, handling, and reloading ocean container cargo near the port of discharge takes time. Allow up to three days to ensure customer delivery commitments are met. 5.Ensure your cargo fits the bill. Transload operators charge additional fees for containers with more than a certain number of cartons. The additional costs for containers with several thousand small cartons could offset any transportation savings. 6. Ensure handling flexibility by making Customs entry at the port. While it is a common practice to clear ocean containers at their tinal inland destinations, it is better to make entry at the port ot discharge. This ensures maximum flexibility in handling cargo, and eliminates the need to move the shipment in-bond, saving additional costs. 7. Increase supply chain efficiency with merge-in-transit offerings.This type of deconsolidation allows importers to combine products arriving in containers from different origins/shipp ers by transloading near the port of arrival into domestic trailers. And if importers source from domestic suppliers†who may also have product arriving via container†this argo can be merged in transit to arrive together at the designated DC. 8. Use transloading to expedite delivery to final destination. Transloading near the port of discharge provides the flexibility to bypass DCs and speed delivery to the end customer. The reduced DC handling charges and improved time in transit can help trim supply chain costs. 9. Avoid costly containers.Instead of shipping less-than- containerload, 20-foot, or light-loaded 40-foot containers from multiple overseas vendors to your inland DC, ship fully loaded/optimized containers to a single container freight station near the port of discharge. From there, they can be transloaded, merged in transit with other inbound cargo, and shipped to the final destination using the transport mode that best fits the importer's needs. 10. Set up tra nsloading programs in advance. Having your service provider involved in coordinating with the origin forwarder translates into better service levels and reliability. Flexible Structure Flexible operations are preplanned contingency strategies to prevent logistical failures.A typical emergency occurs when an assigned shipping facility is out of stock or for some other reason cannot complete a customer's order. For example, a warehouse may be out of an item with no replenishment inventory scheduled to arrive until after the customer's specified order delivery date. To prevent back- ordering or delivery cancellation, a contingency operating policy may assign the total order, or at least those items not available, for shipment from an alternative warehouse. The use of flexible operations is typically based on the importance of meeting the needs of a specific customer or the critical nature of the product being ordered.A flexible logistics capability that has gained popularity as a resul t of mproved communications involves procedures for serving predetermined situations as part of the basic logistical strategy. The flexible logistics rule and decision scenarios specify alternative ways to meet specific service requirements, such as assignment of the order to different shipping facilities or changing methods of delivery. A strategy that utilizes flexible operations is common practice in four different situations. First, the customer designated delivery facility might be near a point of equal logistics cost or equal delivery time from two different logistics facilities. Customers located at such points offer the supplying firm an opportunity to fully utilize available inventory and logistical capacity.Orders can be serviced from the facility having the best inventory position or the available transportation capacity to achieve timely delivery. This form of flexible logistics offers a way to fully utilize system capacity by balancing workloads between facilities while protecting customer service commitments. The benefit is operating efficiency, which is transparent to the customer, who experiences no service deterioration. A second situation Justitying lexible distribution is when the size of a customer's order creates an opportunity to improve logistical efficiency if serviced through an alternative channel arrangement. For example, the lowest-total-cost method to provide small shipment delivery may be through a distributor.In contrast, larger shipments may have the lowest total logistical cost when shipped factory direct to customers. Provided that alternative methods of shipment meet customer delivery expectations, total logistical cost may be reduced by implementing flexible policies. A third type of flexible operation may result from a selective inventory stocking strategy. The cost and risk associated with stocking inventory require careful analysis to determine which items and how much to place in each warehouse. With replacement parts, a common strategy mentioned earlier is to stock selected items in specific warehouses with the total line being stocked only at a central facility.In general-merchandise retailing, a store or distribution center located in a small community may stock only a limited or restricted version of a firm's total line. When customers desire nonstocked items, orders must be satisfied from an alternative facility. The term master facilities is ften used to describe inventory strategies that designate larger facilities for backup support of smaller restricted facilities. Selective inventory stocking by echelon level is a common strategy used to reduce overall inventory risk. The reasons for selective stocking range from low product profit contribution to high per-unit cost of inventory maintenance.One way to operationalize a fine-line inventory classification strategy is to differentiate stocking policy by system echelons. In situations following such classified stocking strategies, it may be ne cessary to obtain advanced customer approval for split-order delivery. However, in some situations firms that use differentiated inventory stocking strategies are able to consolidate customer orders while intransit for same-time delivery, thereby making the arrangement customer transparent. The fourth type of flexible operations results from agreements between firms to move selected shipments outside the established echeloned or direct logistics arrangements.Two special arrangements gaining popularity are flow through cross-docks and service supplier arrangements. A cross-dock operation involves shipments from multiple suppliers arriving at a designated time at the handling facility. Inventory receipts are sorted by destination across the dock and consolidated into outbound trailers for direct delivery. Cross-dock operations are growing in popularity in the retail industry for building store-specific assortments and are common methods of continuous inventory replenishment for mass m erchants. Cross-docking of merchandise direct from manufacture to a customer's retail store eliminates the work and cost associated with utilizing distribution warehouses.Another form of flexible operations is to use integrated service providers to consolidate products for delivery. This is similar to consolidation for ransportation purposes discussed in the previous section of this chapter. However, as a form of flexible logistics, specialists are used to avoid storage and handling of slow-moving products through the mainstream of the echeloned logistics structure. Such service providers can also provide important value-added services. For example, Starbucks Coffee Company has a long standing relationship with OHL, a logistics service provider. Starbucks has approximately 17,000 company-owned and licensed retail outlets.O L provides logistical support to Starbucks by ottering the typical range of 3PL services plus technology support. This operating relationship has existed for over a decade. Figure 2. 5 introduces flexibility to the logistical operating structures previously illustrated. A prerequisite to effective flexible operations is the use of information technology to monitor inventory status throughout the logistical network and provide the capability to rapidly switch methods for servicing customer orders. The use of flexible operations in emergency situations has a well-established track record. The overall improvement in information technology is resulting in flexible operations becoming an increasingly important part of basic logistics trategy.Cutting Costs From Your Logistics Budget Tags: Supply Chain Management If you want to reduce logistics costs, you have to take the time to review your processes. Nathan Pieri, senior vice president of marketing and product management for Rutherford, N. J. -based Management Dynamics, offers these tips for trimming your logistics budget. 10 tips for reducing supply chain logistics costs Aug. 9, 2005 Berme Hart EMAIL Tweet Comments O As companies continue to manufacture and source materials from overseas, controlling costs remains a top priority for those involved in international trade. One ey factor that should be monitored more closely is logistics management, which covers all activities relating to the procurement, transport, transshipment and storage of goods.Depending on the industry sector, supply chain logistics costs account from 5% to 50% of a product's total landed cost. Some issues effecting logistics costs: Fuel prices remain high and ports continue to experience delays, resulting in higher transportation fees. Increasingly complex international trade laws and security measurements threaten to lengthen delivery times and increase warehousing costs. According to a recent report by TechnologyEvaluation. om, a typical air-freight shipment takes eight to twelve days. Of this, the cargo is en route only 5% of the time. The rest is spent sitting in warehouses waiting for the require d documents and compliance checks.Following are 10 Tips on Reducing Supply Chain Logistics Costs: 1 that domestic buy may look a lot better. Sourcing from Ohio to your U. S. plant, distribution center or customer may, in the long run, be more cost effective than sourcing from China. Taritt engineering. Strategically source and manutacture products to take advantage of classification duty rates and eligibility for special trade programs such s NAFTA. 4. Consolidate. If you have multiple suppliers in one country, consolidate their goods into one shipment. In addition, if you always have LCL (less than container load) shipments out of one country, try to find another LCL importer of goods from that country.You may be able to partner and consolidate to a more cost-effective FCL (full container load) shipment. 5.. 6. Sometimes insurance doesn't pay. Often when a company has a shipment of premium goods they tend to use the Carrier's Insurance. Carriers Insurance is very expensive. If the company is self insured, which most companies are, they should heck their insurance policy to see if it covers shipment of goods. If it does, then they do not need to add the extra cost of Carrier's Insurance. 7. Automate compliance processes. Companies that implement software solutions to automate trade compliance are able to speed the cycle times associated with tasks being performed manually, such as document preparation, and eliminate the associated errors.Automated compliance procedures also bring fewer delays at border crossings, resulting in on-time delivery, adequate inventory levels, increased customer satisfaction, and the avoidance of fines. 8.. 9. Planes, trains and automobiles. Which is cheapest? In general, rail is more cost- effective than trucking or air. Water is cheaper than air shipment. No matter the mode of delivery, always try to get three quotes for movements. 10. Be aware of non-tariff trade barriers. Companies need to be more aware of the increasing level of non-tariff trade barriers that are in force to reduce sweat shop labor and support human rights and animal welfare issues. These restrictions can bring importers increased liability and compliance costs.

Balance School and Social Life Essay

School and social life are like oil and water – they don’t mix. You absolutely want to go hang out with your friends, but you need to study for that test the next day! Dear teens, here’s how to balance your social life and school! Steps Do your homework as soon as you get home. It’s tough, and you want to relax. But this is a great strategy to use; if you do your homework the second you get home, you have the rest of the night to relax. Do this even on Friday. Make it a habit. Listen to music while doing homework. This helps you work at a faster speed and seems to make time go by quickly. However, not everyone can work while listening to music, so if you happen to be one of these people, then you can work in an environment without music – it’s perfectly fine. Turn off your cellphone and television while doing your homework. Distractions are the number one reason why you take five hours instead of one to complete your homework. Have a lot of homework? Then maybe do some on the bus ride home. This won’t work if you walk home from school, though. What you can do is try not to burn the midnight oil or do your homework at the eleventh hour. During lunch break, try to do at least some homework given to you earlier in the day. Don’t ever be afraid of being made fun of. If you really have no time to complete your homework, try explaining it to your teacher. She or he will understand, because teachers used to be students, and after all, they’ve gone through what you’re going through now, right? If your teacher announces there’s going to be a test the following week on Friday, don’t study for it on Thursday. Slowly take your time to study a few chapters a day in the afternoon so that you have lots of free time to socialize after that. Now you’re free to hang out with your friends. I know you’re thinking, â€Å"None of these steps will work! † Well, you’ll never know unless you try. After all, if hanging out with your friends is really that important to you, you would take any option you have.

Motorola’s Global Strategy

? Short description of the case For years Motorola and was among the world’s most successful consumer electronics firms. The firm then controlled the emerging U. S. market for cellular telephones and pagers but, like many other firms at the time, was a bit complacent and not aggressively focused on competing with the Japanese. Motorola has remained the exception: Today it is one of the world leaders in mobile communication technology, including the manufacture of cellular telephones, paging devices, automotive semiconductors, and microchips used to operate devices other than computers. Japanese firms began to flood the U. S. market with low-priced, high-quality telephones and pagers. Motorola was shoved into the background. Motorola then decided to fight back and regain the firm’s lost market position. This fight involved a two-part strategy: First learn from the Japanese and then compete with them. To carry out these strategies, executives set a number of broad-based goals that essentially committed the firm to lowering costs, improving quality, and regaining lost market share. Managers were sent on missions worldwide, but especially to Japan, to learn how to compete better. Motorola also try to achieve Six Sigma quality – which is become main strategy of Motorola. By using this strategy, Motorola try to achieve a perfection rate of 99. 9997%. When Motorola actually achieved this level of quality, it received the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Motorola become success on its operations abroad, especially in Japan. It also generates over 56% of its revenues abroad. Problem identification of the case From the case, one of Motorola’s strategy in doing the business is expanse its business abroad. The firm then needs to concentrate on how to do its business abroad and what kind of strategies should be taken to achieve its goal. Motorola controlled the emerging U. S. market for cellular telephones and pagers. Motorola has also won many battles around the world in order to doing its business abroad. But, like many other firms at the time, was a bit complacent and not aggressively focused on competing with the Japanese. Motorola began to fall in its competition with Japanese. For that reason, Motorola have to find new strategies to win its battles, not only the competition with Japanese but also other countries that becomes Motorola’s target market. Formulation of problem solving In terms of finding the strategies to do the business, a company must first define its vision and mission. Economic success, indeed survival, is the result of identifying missions to satisfy a customer’s needs and wants. The organization’s mission defined as its purpose – what it will contribute to society. Mission statements provide boundaries and focus for organizations and the concept around which the firm can rally. The mission states the rationale for organization’s existence. Developing good strategy is difficult, but it is much easier if the mission has been well defined. Motorola also try to picture what their objectives to deal with the competition around Japanese and around the globe. Motorola’s fundamental objective is to attain total customer satisfaction. Others Motorola specific goals are to achieve competitive advantage by becoming the best in its class in terms of people, marketing, technology, product, manufacturing, and service, to increase global market share and to achieve superior financial results and improve shareholder value. Before arrived in the concept of strategies, a company should make an SWOT analysis. SWOT analysis consists of: Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Motorola also build its SWOT analysis based on the market experiences. Motorola’s SWOT analysis comprise of: 1. Strengths Motorola is one of the world's leading providers of wireless communications, semiconductors and advanced electronic systems, components and services. Motorola is an inventor of technology and has first-mover advantage. In the early 1980s, Motorola controlled the emerging U. S. arket for wireless communication devices such as cellular telephones, pagers and high-frequency radios. Motorola maintains sales, service and manufacturing facilities throughout the world, conducts business on six continents and employs more than 139,000 people worldwide. Motorola is strongly committed to delivering customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and setting new standards of quality. 2. Weaknesses Motorola maintained old strategies in doing business, was conservative and unambitious. Motorola was complacent in its leadership position in the U. S. market, and failed to aggressively compete with the emerging Japanese firms. 3. Opportunities Motorola can compete and expand globally. Information and communications technology is fast-paced, with new discoveries happening every minute. Motorola can match this speed of discovery with new and innovative product and technology development. 4. Threats Japanese electronics firms are heavy competitors in terms of cost and quality leadership. Barriers to entry, supplier power, threats of substitutes, degree of rivalry, and buyer power. After defined its mission and made a SWOT analysis of the company, then the company can start to create its strategies to do the business. Strategy is an organization’s action plan to achieve the mission. Each functional area has a strategy for achieving its mission and for helping the organization reach the overall mission. These strategies exploit opportunities and strengths, neutralize threats, and avoid weaknesses. Firms achieve missions in three conceptual ways: (1) differentiation, (2) cost leadership, and (3) response. Each of the three strategies provides an opportunity for operations managers to achieve competitive advantage. Competitive advantage implies the creation of a system that has a unique advantage over competitors. The idea is to create customer value in an efficient and sustainable way. These conceptual ways then develop into competitive priorities. Competitive priorities consist of: Competing on Cost by lowering cost operation Competing on quality High-Performance Design Consistent Quality Competing on Speed (Time-bases Competition) Fast Delivery On-Time Delivery Development Speed for new product Competing on Flexibility Customization Volume flexibility Motorola’s global strategies The first thing that Motorola’s managers want to do to conquer the competition with Japan is involved a two-part strategy: First learn from the Japanese and then compete with them. Managers were sent on missions worldwide, but especially to Japan, to learn how to compete better. The sending of the managers was divided into three categories, first, plant visit and study of successful Japanese firms such as Toshiba and Hitachi, second, study Motorola’s own Japanese operations to learn more fully how it functioned, third, plant visit and study of U. S. est-practice companies such as General Electric. The lessons that the managers took from this investigation are first, Motorola should adopt and invest in employee education and training. Motorola should not only send employees to limited quality-enhancement training, but must recognize that employees need a broader form of education to ensure that they can initiate and implement effective quality planning and design, and th ereby meet company objectives. From a narrow emphasis on specific quality techniques, Motorola should focus on manufacturing-related education. Management should consider partnering with local schools and colleges in providing courses ranging from practical technical application, to business courses, to graduate work in computer-integrated manufacturing. Second, Motorola should implement a benchmarking program using American and Japanese best-practices. Motorola must know what levels of quality its products must achieve to top its competitors. Each of the firm's business units must implement benchmarking programs that analyze all aspects of a competitor's products to assess manufacturability, reliability, manufacturing cost, and performance. Motorola must also measure the products of other companies against its own standards to verify that whether its own products rank as best in their class. Third, Motorola should adopt the Defective-Parts-Per-Million (DPPM) approach to determine product reliability. From the lessons learned from the Japanese, Motorola should institute the Defective-Parts-Per-Million, or DPPM product reliability standard. DPPM can be defined as the average number of defects in an average production run multiplied by one million. From these lessons, Motorola take some key initiatives to achieve its objectives and to gain the competitive advantage. The key initiatives are: Six Sigma Quality Six sigma was pioneered by Bill Smith at Motorola in 1986; originally used as a metric for measuring defects for improving quality; a methodology to reduce defect levels ; 3. 4 Defects Per Million Opportunities (DPMO). Motorola divided six sigma into three levels, as a metric, as a methodology, and as a management system. Essentially, Six Sigma is all three at the same time. Total cycle time reduction Total cycle time is the time from when a Motorola customer places an order until it is delivered. In fact, in the case of new products, Motorola's cycle-time reduction is even more ambitious; the clock starts ticking the moment the product is conceived. This calls for an examination of the total system, including design, manufacturing, marketing, and administration. Product, Manufacturing and Environmental Leadership Motorola try to be the leader in all segments in order to win the battles of competing with its competitors and to emerge the market around the globe. Motorola try to achieve it by doing customization and put some innovation to its product. The flexibility in doing the business also applied in order to be the leader of the market. Profit Improvement The company has been implementing Six Sigma throughout the organization for over 15 years, extending the practice beyond manufacturing into transactional, support, and service functions. As a result, Motorola has documented over $16 billion in savings. Empowerment for all, in a Participative, Cooperative and Creative Workplace All levels of the company are involved in decision making process. Non-executive employees contribute directly through Motorola's Participative Management Program (PMP). Composed of employees who work in the same area or are assigned to achieve a specific aim, PMP teams meet often to assess progress toward meeting quality goals, to identify new initiatives, and to work on problems. To reward high-quality work, savings that stem from team recommendations are shared. Motorola also do the training as critical to increasing quality and productivity. Motorola’s strategy takes us to its competitive priorities. The primary business strategy of Motorola is six sigma. Motorola try to improve its product quality by reducing the defect levels of the product ; 3. Defects Per Million Opportunities (DPMO). The improvement of quality means that Motorola try to compete in quality among its competitors. Another strategy of Motorola is reducing its total cycle time. This strategy also supported by six sigma approach which is six sigma help to diminish unimportant variables in operations. By reducing its total cycle time, Motorola also try to compete on speed. R educing its total cycle time will affect its cost to operations. Furthermore, six sigma approach means try to achieve perfection of product quality. By eliminating the mistakes, it also reduces the costs to operations. By lowering its cost operation, Motorola also try to compete on cost. Motorola also try to compete on flexibility by customization and able to adapt with trends over the society. Motorola began customizing their Bandit pager in the early 1980s, to offer customers up to 29 million product combinations encompassing hardware and software configurations. Production was consolidated in one factory whereas before the project it had been divided among a number of facilities. Customers select their options and a salesperson enters the specification into a computer system. It is then transmitted to the company systems and on to the assembly process. The facility could accept orders for single pagers in any sequence. The finished product was then shipped to the customer. Conclusions In order to expanse its business, Motorola use its goal concept and SWOT analysis to define its business strategy to compete around the globe, especially Japanese. Motorola try to learn from the Japanese and then compete with them. From the lessons over the managers sending option, Motorola build its key initiatives in order to do its business. The primary key initiative which is its current strategy in competition around the globe is Six Sigma. Other key initiatives are total cycle time reduction, product, manufacturing and environmental leadership, profit improvement, empowerment for all, in a participative, cooperative and creative workplace. Answer the case problem 1. What are the components of Motorola’s international strategy? Answer: 1)Learning from the Japanese 2)Competing directly with them Six Sigma Quality Total Cycle Time Reduction Product, Manufacturing and Environmental Leadership Profit Improvement Empowerment for all, in a Participative, Cooperative and Creative Workplace The first thing that Motorola’s managers want to do to conquer the competition with Japan is involved a two-part strategy: First learn from the Japanese and then compete with them. Managers were sent on missions worldwide, but especially to Japan, to learn how to compete better. The sending of the managers was divided into three categories, first, plant visit and study of successful Japanese firms such as Toshiba and Hitachi, second, study Motorola’s own Japanese operations to learn more fully how it functioned, third, plant visit and study of U. S. best-practice companies such as General Electric. From these lessons, Motorola take some key initiatives to achieve its objectives and to gain the competitive advantage. The key initiatives are: Six Sigma Quality Six sigma was pioneered by Bill Smith at Motorola in 1986; originally used as a metric for measuring defects for improving quality; a methodology to reduce defect levels ; 3. 4 Defects Per Million Opportunities (DPMO). Motorola divided six sigma into three levels, as a metric, as a methodology, and as a management system. Essentially, Six Sigma is all three at the same time. Total cycle time reduction Total cycle time is the time from when a Motorola customer places an order until it is delivered. In fact, in the case of new products, Motorola's cycle-time reduction is even more ambitious; the clock starts ticking the moment the product is conceived. This calls for an examination of the total system, including design, manufacturing, marketing, and administration. Product, Manufacturing and Environmental Leadership Motorola try to be the leader in all segments in order to win the battles of competing with its competitors and to emerge the market around the globe. Motorola try to achieve it by doing customization and put some innovation to its product. The flexibility in doing the business also applied in order to be the leader of the market. Profit Improvement The company has been implementing Six Sigma throughout the organization for over 15 years, extending the practice beyond manufacturing into transactional, support, and service functions. As a result, Motorola has documented over $16 billion in savings. Empowerment for all, in a Participative, Cooperative and Creative Workplace All levels of the company are involved in decision making process. Non-executive employees contribute directly through Motorola's Participative Management Program (PMP). Composed of employees who work in the same area or are assigned to achieve a specific aim, PMP teams meet often to assess progress toward meeting quality goals, to identify new initiatives, and to work on problems. To reward high-quality work, savings that stem from team recommendations are shared. Motorola also do the training as critical to increasing quality and productivity. 2. Describe how Motorola might have arrived at its current strategy as a result of a SWOT analysis! Answer: Motorola controlled the emerging U. S. market for cellular telephones and pagers. Motorola has also won many battles around the world in order to doing its business abroad. But, like many other firms at the time, was a bit complacent and not aggressively focused on competing with the Japanese. Motorola began to fall in its competition with Japanese. Motorola first try to picture what their objectives to deal with the competition around Japanese and around the globe. Before arrived in the concept of strategies, a company made an SWOT analysis. From this SWOT analysis, Motorola tried to find a new way to regain the firm’s lost market position. The first thing that Motorola’s managers want to do to conquer the competition with Japan is involved a two-part strategy: First learn from the Japanese and then compete with them. Managers were sent on missions worldwide, but especially to Japan, to learn how to compete better. The sending of the managers was divided into three categories, first, plant visit and study of successful Japanese firms such as Toshiba and Hitachi, second, study Motorola’s own Japanese operations to learn more fully how it functioned, third, plant visit and study of U. S. best-practice companies such as General Electric. The lessons that the managers took from this investigation are Motorola should adopt and invest in employee education and training, Motorola should implement a benchmarking program using American and Japanese best-practices, and finally Motorola should adopt the Defective-Parts-Per-Million (DPPM) approach to determine product reliability. From these lessons, Motorola take some key initiatives to achieve its objectives and to gain the competitive advantage. The primary key initiative which is its current strategy in competition around the globe is Six Sigma. 3. Discuss Motorola’s primary business strategy! Answer: Motorola’s primary business strategy is Six Sigma. Six Sigma has evolved over the last two decades and so has its definition. Six Sigma has literal, conceptual, and practical definitions. Motorola think about Six Sigma at three different levels: As a metric The term â€Å"Sigma† is often used as a scale for levels of â€Å"goodness† or quality. Using this scale, â€Å"Six Sigma† equates to 3. 4 defects per one million opportunities (DPMO). Therefore, Six Sigma started as a defect reduction effort in manufacturing and was then applied to other business processes for the same purpose. To give such numbers meaning, the engineers at Motorola set up a scale to evaluate the quality of a process based on these defect calculations. At the top of the scale is Six Sigma, which equates to 3. 4 DPMO, or 99. 9997% defect-free. In other words, if a company have a process running at Six Sigma, the company almost eliminated all defects , it's nearly perfect. Of course, most processes don't run at Six Sigma. They run at Five Sigma, Four Sigma or worse. Here's the table that shows full scale to get an appreciation of the numbers involved: The process mean will vary each time a process is executed using different equipment, different personnel, different materials, etc. The observed variation in the process mean was  ± 1. 5 sigma. Motorola decided a design tolerance (specification width) of  ± 6 sigma was needed so that there will be only 3. 4 ppm defects — measurements outside the design tolerance. This was defined as Six Sigma quality. As a methodology As Six Sigma has evolved, there has been less emphasis on the literal definition of 3. 4 DPMO, or counting defects in products and processes. Six Sigma is a business improvement methodology that focuses an organization on: Understanding and managing customer requirements Aligning key business processes to achieve those requirements Utilizing rigorous data analysis to minimize variation in those processes Driving rapid and sustainable improvement to business processes At the heart of the methodology is the DMAIC model for process improvement. DMAIC is commonly used by Six Sigma project teams and is an acronym for: Define opportunity The purpose of this step is to obtain a precise definition of a problem or issue that requires attention. The key here is not to focus on the outcome (which is what most people generally do), but to concentrate company’s attention on the process that creates that outcome. This often requires detailed process mapping to be done so that all the stages in a process, how they link together and how they interrelate, are fully understood. Define opportunity consist of try to know he customer’s requirements, the team charter represents the business case for the project, define and build a process map that relates measurable internal processes to customer needs. Measure performance Once the problem and its potential causes are understood, the company can move on to detailed measurement of all the elements in the process and what influence they have on each other. During this step it is important to focus on the parts of the process that are critical to quality – the ones that can be shown to have the greatest impact on the process outcomes. This step may also require some benchmarking to find parts of your business, or perhaps other businesses these maybe competitors or organisations in other sectors) that manage this process better. Ideally the company will find the best there is to study and learn from. Analyze opportunity Having gathered all the necessary measurements the company can then analyze them to establish how well or poorly the process is working, it’s full detrimental impact on the organization, the opportunities for improvement and the benefits that would result if it were improved. This analysis will show the gap between what is being achieved and what could be achieved, where improvements might be made and whether the investment needed would be justified by the return. Improve performance The information gathered and analyzed in the previous steps will have pinpointed where the maximum returns are possible for the minimum investments. This is therefore where the efforts are focused to ensure that the process is improved in the precise areas and in the specific ways that will have the greatest impact on the outcomes. Control performance This step is needed to ensure that all gains made will remain as gains and will not be allowed to slip back. The purpose is to lock in your success through on-going monitoring and control processes that will guarantee no eversion to the previous, poor results. As a management system Through experience, Motorola has learned that disciplined use of metrics and application of the methodology is still not enough to drive desired breakthrough improvements and results that are sustainable over time. For greatest impact, Motorola ensures that process metrics and structured methodology are applied to improvement opportunities that are directly linked to the organizational strategy. When practiced as a management system, Six Sigma is a high performance system for executing business strategy. Six Sigma is a top-down solution to help organizations: Align their business strategy to critical improvement efforts Mobilize teams to attack high impact projects Accelerate improved business results Govern efforts to ensure improvements are sustained The Six Sigma Management System drives clarity around the business strategy and the metrics that most reflect success with that strategy. It provides the framework to prioritize resources for projects that will improve the metrics, and it leverages leaders who will manage the efforts for rapid, sustainable, and improved business results. References Heizer, Jay & Render, Barry, Operations Management, Eight Edition, The Prentice Hall, 2006. Pande, Peter S, Neuman, Robert P, & Cavanagh, Roland R, The Six Sigma Way: How GE, Motorola, and Other Top Companies are Honing Their Performance, McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc, 2000. Pyzdek, Thomas, The Six Sigma Project Planner: A Step-by-Step Guide to Leading a Six Sigma Project Through DMAIC, McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc, 2000. http://www. motorola. com/ http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Motorola http://www. trizsigma. com/six. html http://www. brecker. com/six_sigma. htm