The business and financial performance of J Sainsbury plc over the Essay

The business and monetary execution of J Sainsbury plc in the course of the most recent multi year time span - Essay Example fulness, this paper completed an experimental investigation where it contrasted the firm’s stock costs and those of its opponents just as its own money related situation over a range of three years and really found that such ground of worry of the monetary supervisors isn't unjustifiable and that the firm’s position surely has been disintegrating throughout the years. J Sainsbury Plc had verifiably been one of the main staple retail chains in the UK. It was established by John James and Mary Ann Sainsbury in 1869 at Drury Lane, probably the least fortunate area in London with only one shop in the first place, which before long got famous among local people in light of the excellent item they sold at moderate costs. Their notoriety among the individuals helped them accumulate the assets expected to extend their business and inevitably drove them to assemble a chain of around 800 stores all through the economy that today incorporates a chain of in excess of 500 grocery stores and around 300 comfort stores worked under the brand name Sainsbury. Despite the fact that their excursion began with only a retail location in a little piece of London, very soon they began delivering their own image of items †the first among them was bacon which they began creating in their own smoking stoves in 1882. Slowly, Sainsbury, what was a unimportant firm, began delivering and providing an assortment of different kinds of wares that today adds up to in excess of 30,000 items involving both food and non-food things; and presented an assortment of administrations such as self improvement at the counters intended to evade the surge and in this way facilitate the endeavors of their clients. The organization additionally demonstrated altruism towards its workers when they started distributing normal store magazines for the advising of their representatives. The adaptability of the firm before long became unmistakable when it demonstrated its anxiety to the general public during the world wars when it received some imaginative measures for its improvement, which demonstrated its awareness over the issue. During the world

The Life Of Charlie Chaplin

The Life Of Charlie Chaplin Charlie Chaplin was conceived April the 16 in the year 1889.His complete name is Charlie Spancer Chaplin. He was conceived in London. (Joined Kingdom.) Charlie was a movie executive and an English comic on-screen character. His folks are Charles Chaplin and Hannah Harriette Hillin. In any case, Charlie wrote in his book that he actually never knew his dad. They work in the theater. His mom craftsman name was Lily Harley. When Charlie was brought into the world his folks got a divorcã ©. When Charlie was twelve his dad kicked the bucket, he was a heavy drinker .Charlie has two relatives, their names are Sidney and Wheeler. Charlie grew up with Sydney , subsequently Charlie knew him as the best. Sidney was conceived in 1885, after the marriage. Spencer turned out to be additionally well known as drummer for Jefferson Airplane, that was the best band in the years. Charlie was to youthful to know was going on and would not completely think about his relative , wheeler Dryden His family was exceptionally poor. His mom Hannah offered significant stuff to remain alive. However, after all they have enough food. Since his family had so minimal expenditure. In this manner Charlie went to a dramatization. Hannah was debilitated, when Charlies und Sydneys youth. Charlie and Sidney lived in more homes model , school and workhouses and his own house.The siblings meet again in 1920. Spencer is kicked the bucket from malignant growth in January 10, 2005. Sydney kicked the bucket on Charlies birthday, april 16,1965. Wheeler passed on in September 30, 1957. On the image see you his family. Charlie Chaplin has been hitched to multiple times, he has 11 kids. His first spouse was Mildred Harris, they got hitched on October 23, 1918.They got one youngster , yet following three days the kid kicked the bucket. They got separated on April 4, 1921. His subsequent spouse called Lita Gray , they got hitched on November 26, 1924, together they had two children, Charlie and Lita separated on August 25, 1927. His third spouse called Paulette Goddard, they met when they are on a holliday,Charlie and Paulette separated in June in the year 1942, she was the stepmother of Sidney and Charlie Jr. His fourth spouse was Oona ONeill with whom he had eight youngsters, Charlie and Oona got hitched on June 16, 1943. His Children. His first youngster, Norman Spencer Chaplin, he was conceived on July 7, 1919. His second kid , Charles Spencer Chaplin Jr., he was conceived on May 5, 1925, he has showed up in a film along with his dad (Charlie Chaplin). His third kid , Sydney Earle Chaplin, he was conceived on March 30, 1926, he has additionally worked with his dad (Charlie Chaplin) in one film. His fourth kid, Geraldine Chaplin Leigh, she was conceived on August 1, 1944, she is likewise known in numerous films. His fifth kid, Michael John Chaplin, he was conceived on March 7, 1946. His 6th kid , Josephine Hannah Chaplin, she was conceived on March 28, 1949. His seventh kid, Victoria Chaplin, she was conceived on May 19, 1951. His eighth kid was Eugene Anthony Chaplin, he was conceived on August 23, 1953. His ninth youngster, Jane Cecil Chaplin, she was conceived on May 23, 1957. His tenth youngster, Annette Emily Chaplin who was conceived on December 3, 1959. His last kid, Christopher James Chaplin, he was concei ved on July 9, 1962. Quiet Films. In 1895 came the main moving pictures that you could frequently observe at the reasonable. You can see artists in butterfly dresses and men boxing. After an opportunity arrived the silend films. At the start there were just short movies, but since individuals loved that ,The movies were longer with more subjects. In a quiet film the on-screen characters dont talk. These movies were made around 1900. Around then they cannot make a film with a sound. a dumb film in the film there was a congregation organ for music. Later came a genuine organ. In the year 1927 was it conceivable to make films with sound. Well known individuals who played in quiet movies were : Laurel Hardy and Charlie Chaplin. Somebody who went with a quiet film called a Wurlitzer. Around then there were no sibtitles , they utilized a ton of stuff to make a noice : When in a film an engine was going on someone else make a noice of the engine, when a tempest was struck they make a noice with a pot. So there were motion p ictures with sound, a great deal of on-screen characters dont like that since they entertainers accomplishing more with their mouths and hands . These on-screen characters frequently went to the theater scene there to work there. In the film was somebody who recounted to the tale of the film. The quiet movies had consistently had a decent last, they called a Hollywood end. Furthermore, for the Europeans a sensational end.. A couple of Charlies films. ( the incredible tyrant , bazaar, present day times. ) At the film the extraordinary tyrant they ridicule Hitler. The incredible despot is Charlies popular movie, he composes the film and coordinated the film. Charlie plays two moves in the film. One is a jewisch hairdresser and a tyrant. This film is the principal that Charlie talks, he was exceptionally apprehensive for the responses of the individuals In the years' end thirty Charlie worked at this film however it showed up in 1940 in the theaters. In that time Hitler vanquished enormous pieces of Europe. The film came mainstream around the year 1941. , the extraordinary despot great be utilized against the war. examine indicated that Hitler saw that film twice. No one comprehends what Hitler thought of that film. They believe that he felt that the film wasnt clever, on the grounds that Charlie was playing a jewisch man. Charlie has at as a matter of fact when he recognizes what Hitler has wear that time he doesnt to make this film. The Circus. For this film charlie got a foundation grant. On the off chance that he truly got this honor earned, many individuals talk about over that. He made some difficuld memories then since he and his second spouse lita got in a devorce. Lita was attempted to end the cariere of charlie chaplin. This film remain on the spot number 7 for the most noteworthy pay of the silend films. In the year 1928 brought the film $3.800.000. Present day Times. This film came in the year 1933 till 1936. The film go on debut on February 6, 1936. Charlie plays in this film a tramp, he goes along with a jobless young lady from the town and theyre sure everybody gets work. He invests a great deal of energy with another young lady. He and the young lady get a new line of work and joy. This film raised $1.500.000. . A couple of Charlies films. (City lights, spotlight, Making a living. ) City lights. City lights turned out in the year 1931. For this film get Charlie $1.500.000. In this film is charlie a tramp , however he met a young lady. He says to that young lady , : im a millionair. In any case, later she discover that he isnt a millionair. Spotlight. Spotlight is a film were numerous offspring of Charlie Chaplin in plays. In 1952 begon Charlie to compose that story. Charlie compose every one of his motion pictures and guided them. Getting by. Charlies first film was Making a Living and got in debut on February 1914. This film took about a quarter. Charlie knew little from the films. He has a ton of silliness. He believed that the chief was nothing㠢â‚ ¬Ã¢ ¦ He didnt no good thing. He was exceptionally disillusioned of the conclusive outcomes. All that he was planning to find in the film , the chief has got everything out. Be that as it may, the open enjoyed the film and perceived Charlie as a great comic A royal lady from Hong kong. This was charlies last film, the film was going out on January 5, 1967. Charlie got with this film. $3,500,000. His last years à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢ ¦ Charlie experienced the most recent long periods of his life in Switzerland.. In 1972 Charlie Chaplin got an oscar for as long as he can remember. That Oscar considered they an institute honari grant. He got the longest praise in history from the oscars. , in 1975 charlie chaplin got knighted by sovereign Elizabeth. So he got another name : sir Charles Chaplin. What's more, his significant other became Lady Chaplin. Charlie Chaplin passed on in 1977,during the principal Christmas night. He kicked the bucket of a heart failure he was 88 years of age when he passed on. On March 8 , 1978 his body was taken. The individuals who has taken the body was tring to get recover from Charlies spouse , yet the arrangement was fizzled. The body was discovered 11 weeks after the fact by the leg of Geneve and later they covered Charlie under 180 cm concrete. How get charlie so popular ? Charlie Chaplin had constantly a derby on , that derby was to tight and he had shoes on they were to enormous, he generally strolled with a walkingstick. So came Charlie in front of an audience. He didnt think he got so acclaimed. In any case, he realizes that he was a tramp, that he wasnt so fortunate. Later he determined what the goosepas implied. , he had taken that from a dronken man, he strolled additionally like a goose with his feet heading outside. In the event that you think about the name Charlie Chaplin , the vast majority knows him from the film : The little tramp Whole the world cherished him ! Everyone knows the dismal essence of him and his funniness. Thus he didnt talk the individuals could get him. Since the entire world preferences him thus turned out to be celebrated. He has make numerous motion pictures , and became there grants for. So there are numerous statements Charlie Chaplin said and we are as yet utilizing at that point. As : A day without chuckling is a d ay squandered , In the end, everything is a stifler and We think excessively and feel nearly nothing. The Source ! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Countess_from_Hong_Kong http://filmlegendes.punt.nl/?id=333733HYPERLINK http://filmlegendes.punt.nl/?id=333733r=1HYPERLINK http://filmlegendes.punt.nl/?id=333733r=1r=1 http://www.ednapurviance.org/chaplininfo/chaplinfamily.html http://www.digischool.nl/ckv1/film/chaplin/stomme_films.htm http://www.09366.07sc.thinkquest.nl/stomme_films.htm http://www.movie2movie.nl/r61868-Recensie-Modern-Times.html http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Times_(film) http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Circus http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Dictator http://www.charliechaplin.com/films http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Chaplin http://www.brainyquote.com/cites/creators/c/charlie_chaplin_2.html The end !

Book Recommendations From My Favorite Podcasts

Book Recommendations From My Favorite Podcasts In the past year, my podcast habit has got a little out of hand. As of writing, Im subscribed to *tiny voice* 40 podcasts. What can I say? They make my commute go faster, theyre great to have on in the background while Im working, and, as Im finding more and more, they can provide some great book recommendations. And Im not just talking about specific book review-based podcasts (I have to keep my wallet firmly closed when Im listening to Banging Book Club…theres a little less temptation when Im listening to 372 Pages). Ive picked up book recommendations from podcasts on every topic â€" here are some of the titles that top my podcast reading list. The Half-God of Rainfall by Inua Ellams This podcast-inspired purchase is my most recent â€" I bought it this morning, after listening to Inua Ellams chat with Tim Clare on Death of 1000 Cuts. This story in verse follows the life of Demi, the half-god of the title who has to contend with the Yoruba and Greek pantheons. This story (which is also a play) explores the bond between mothers and sons, and is a love letter to language â€" and its next on my TBR list. Invisible: The Forgotten Story of the Black Woman Lawyer Who Took Down Americas Most Powerful Mobster by Stephen L. Carter Im a huge fan of true crime podcasts, and  My Favorite Murder is one of my…well, favourites. Thanks to a discussion about organised crime in the U.S. that took place on MFM, I found out about Eunice Hunton Carter, who came up with the legal strategy that took down infamous mobster Lucky Luciano. This fantastic tale of a brilliant woman, written by her grandson, Stephen L. Carter, is a crucial chapter in the history of crime and the law, and deserves to be read and re-read. Body Kindness by Rebecca Scritchfield I first got into podcasts as a way to pass the time and listen to some silly Dungeons and Dragons gameplay, so it took me a while to realise that, like books, podcasts can be excellent self-help resources. This book by anti-diet coach and body positivity maven Scritchfield, whose podcast is also called Body Kindness, combines the two, teaching you strategies to combat the negative messages pushed on all of us by a society that hates body diversity. Sawbones: The Hilarious, Horrifying Road to Modern Medicine  by Dr. Sydnee McElroy and Justin McElroy Ive written before about my love of the fascinating and often stomach-churning podcast  Sawbones, by physician Sydnee McElroy and her husband Justin (who podcast fans might recognise from  The Adventure Zone or  My Brother, My Brother and Me).  Sawbones deals with a different part of medical history each weeks, dealing with humanitys misguided attempts to fix our bodies when they go wrong (leeches, anyone?) The book collects together many of the best and most disgusting facts that theyve covered in the episodes. If youve ever wanted to learn the ins and outs (pardon the pun) of trepanning, check it out. Run, Riot by Nikesh Shukla The Good Immigrant  is already on my shelves, but when I heard Nikesh Shukla talking to Josie Long and  Jonny Donahoe on their parenting podcast  Josie and Jonny Are Having A Baby (With You!),   I realised that I needed to check out his other work. As well as being an editor, essayist, founder of a literary agency, and all-round powerhouse, Shukla has written several novels, including the YA novel  Run, Riot, which looks at gentrification and police brutality. The Grim Sleeper: The Lost Women of South Central by Christine Pelisek Another My Favorite Murder  recommendation, this true crime book looks at a particularly shocking case â€" a serial killer working over several decades, who remained uncaught largely because his victims were women of colour, making the police and society at large treat this horrific wave of violence as a lower priority.  The Grim Sleeper is a tough read, but an important one â€" a timely reminder that everyone deserves justice. So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo Id been following the brilliant Ijeoma Oluo on Twitter for many years (and if you dont, rectify that immediately), but hearing her talk on Christy Harrisons podcast  Food Psych  reminded me that I absolutely needed to get her book. A frank and honest look at race and racism, this book is an essential read for everyone. If youre looking for more bookish podcasts, check out 11 of the Best Book Podcasts Launched in 2018. For more nonfiction reads, try 10 Must-Read Essay Collections By Women.

Jay Gatsby is a Sympathetic Character in Fitzgeralds...

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby provides the reader with a unique outlook on the life of the newly rich. Gatsby is an enigma and a subject of great curiosity, furthermore, he is content with a lot in life until he strives too hard. His obsession with wealth, his lonely life and his delusion allow the reader to sympathize with him. Initially, Gatsby stirs up sympathetic feelings because of his obsession with wealth. Ever since meeting Dan Cody, his fascination for wealth has increased dramatically. He even uses illegal unmoral methods to obtain hefty amounts of wealth to spend on buying a house with â€Å" Marie Antoinette music-rooms, Restoration Salons, dressing rooms and poolrooms, and bath rooms with sunken baths.†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦show more content†¦Ultimately, it is his obsession with wealth that leads to his tragic end. Secondly, the reason of the readers’ sympathy is Gatsby’s loneliness. Gatsby is perpetually enveloped by solitude . Despite the â€Å"Hotel de Ville† (11)mansion, the car and the luxuries that would overwhelm most people, Jay finds no sense of belonging amongst those objects. â€Å" Gatsby, standing alone on the marble steps and looking from one group to another† (51) does not mingle with his guests. Even at his own party, surrounded by glamour and people, he is still alone. In fact, he is a stranger. Only handful of his guest knows what he actually looks like, to others, he is a mystery. Equally important, Gatsby enclose himself in isolation, â€Å"he [gives] a sudden intimation that he [is] content to be alone†¦ he [is] trembling.†(25) He has a whole mansion to himself yet he chooses to stand outside and ponder. Perhaps he is trying to find a way to unlock himself from the life of solitude. Finally, Jay Gatsby’s delusions draws more pity for him. Daisy comes from a rich family and chances of her ending up with Gatsby, a poor soldier, is totally unrealistic. Furthermore Gatsby wants Daisy to â€Å" go to Tom and say: ‘I never loved you’† (105) but Daisy asserts that â€Å" [she] can’t say [she] never loved Tom†¦It wouldn’t be true.†(126) Jay cannot grasp the present reality that Daisy could not leave Tom permanently, especially when the fruit of their love is already three years of age.Show MoreRelatedF. Scott Fitzgerald s The Great Gatsby1518 Words   |  7 PagesF. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, (1925) depicts the story of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, who has moved to West Egg, New York to reunite with his former love, Daisy Buchanan. Through the novel, the representation of class and gender embody the social views on either subject during the 1920’s. Fitzgerald has used the charac ters within the novel to exemplify the social stratas and also the decades view on men and women. Fitzgerald has thereby utilized the characters within theRead MoreJay Gatsby765 Words   |  4 PagesThe novel, The Great Gatsby focuses on one of the focal characters, James Gatz, also known as Jay Gatsby. He grew up in North Dakota to a family of poor farm people and as he matured, eventually worked for a wealthy man named Dan Cody. As Gatsby is taken under Cody’s wing, he gains more than even he bargained for. He comes across a large sum of money, however ends up getting tricked out of ‘inheriting’ it. After these obstacles, he finds a new way to earn his money, even though it means bending theRead MoreIn the Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald Shows the Clear Delineations Between Different Strata of Society: New Money, Old Money, Some Money, and No Money. Explain Why Fitzgerald Presents This Spectrum of Circumstances and1520 Words   |  7 PagesIn The Great Gatsby, Fitzg erald creates a divide amongst the characters by separating them into different layers of society in terms of wealth. New Money is the category in which characters have previously been poor but have gradually earned vast amounts of money; old money is the situation of some characters that have always been rich through generations. Some money and no money are clear; certain characters simply have either some money or no money. Jay Gatsby falls under the category of NewRead More Creating Sympathy for The Great Gatsby Essay2094 Words   |  9 PagesCreating Sympathy for The Great Gatsby      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the text, The Great Gatsby, the author, F. Scott Fitzgerald leads us to sympathize with the central character of the text, Jay Gatsby. Fitzgerald evokes our sympathy using non-linear narrative and extended flashbacks as well as imagery, characterization and theme. Through these mediums, Fitzgerald is able to reveal Gatsby as a character who is in an unrelenting pursuit of an unattainable dream. While narrative and imagery reveal him toRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1707 Words   |  7 Pagespressed to work hard and honest under the idea that they will have an equal opportunity to obtain riches and glory. But is the pursuit of wealth really as pure and honest as it may seem? Holding this same idea and question, in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, a young man by the name of Nick Carraway begins his pursuit towards the American Dream. The novel begins with Nick arriving at his new yet shabby home in Long Island, where he is surrounded by the mansions of millionaires. As Nick settlesRead MoreTragedy Essay1652 Words   |  7 Pagespower, ruling, and downfall.  Arthur Millers  The Crucible  illustrates a tragedy due to intense emotional suffering brought on by the accusations of former friends, manipulation, infidelity, and ultimately the death of John Proctor. In Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Jay, the American romantic hero, devotes his life to proving himself worthy of Daisy. He would have sacrificed his freedom and his life for her, yet she couldn’t spare the time to go to his funeral and pay her condolences. While tragedyRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald2082 Words   |  9 PagesScott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby reflects the 19th century ideals of political theorist Karl Marx and his predicted clashing of the wealthy poor. Using Marxist literary theory we see that Fitzgerald powerfully condemns this class-based oppression. Gyorgy Lukacs in Reificat ion and The Consciousness of the Proletariat states â€Å"our intention here is to base ourselves on Marx’s economic analyses and to proceed from there to a discussion of the problems growing out of the fetish character of commoditiesRead MoreThe Disillusionment of American Dream in Great Gatsby and Tender Is the Night19485 Words   |  78 PagesThe disillusionment of American dream in the Great Gatsby and Tender is the night Chapter I Introduction F. Scott Fitzgerald is the spokesman of the Jazz Age and is also one of the greatest novelists in the 20th century. His novels mainly deal with the theme of the disillusionment of the American dream of the self-made young men in the 20th century. In this thesis, Fitzgerald’s two most important novels The Great Gatsby(2003) and Tender is the Night(2005) are analyzed. Both these two novelsRead More Views on the role of Nick as a narrator in the Great Gatsby have2454 Words   |  10 PagesViews on the role of Nick as a narrator in the Great Gatsby have varied greatly. How do the views of Arthur Mizener and Gary J. Scrimgeour relate to your own view of Nicks function in the novel? Published in 1925, and written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby is a brilliant and scathing illustration of life among the new rich during the 1920s; people who had recently amassed a great deal of wealth but had no corresponding social connections, or a sense of morality. Nick CarrawayRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1602 Words   |  7 Pages In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s story The Great Gatsby, the morals of the people in the book reflected the morality of the people who lived during the 1920’s, also known as the â€Å"roaring 20’s†. The decrease in morals and ethics during the roaring 20’s led to the creation and increase of organized crime. Nick and Gatsby are going to lunch and they meet a man named Meyer Wolfsheim. He asks Nick about Gatsby and Wolfsheim’s business in the underground speakeasy. Wolfsheim said to Gatsby â€Å"I understand you

Negative Issues Of Air Pollution - 1473 Words

This paper discusses the issue of air pollution and its related impacts on the local environment, citizen’s health, and the economy in Massachusetts. Major sources of air pollution are specified, and sustainable solutions to these issues are explored. The costs and consequences of state policies are taken into account, and the advantages and disadvantages of these policies are discussed. Solutions that individuals can incorporate into their own lives and homes are shared, and finally, ways that citizens can promote environmentally friendly alternatives for transportation and home energy are explored. The burning of fossil fuels releases many air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and†¦show more content†¦It can travel quite far through the wind, which means that heavy air pollution in cities can affect rural communities, contributing to similar issues far away from the original source of the pollution. Asthma and respiratory infections are linked to increases in doctor visits, emergency room visits, and hospital admissions (EPA, 2015). Citizens who develop asthma must change their lifestyles to avoid the risks associated with the lung disease. That is not to say that they can’t lead healthy active lives, but they must create a plan with their physician that best suits them. This can mean avoiding certain activities and places, such as the outdoors during times of low air quality, cardio exercise, and events where there may be elevated levels of PM from other sources, such as bonfires. Those affected might hav e to take time off of work or stay home from school because of their illness, which can negatively affect their income and education (EPA, 2017). The Northeast has some of the highest asthma rates in our nation (Moorman, et al., 2017), and MA has the largest affected population in the region. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in Massachusetts, asthma related hospital costs reached 157.7 million dollars in 2010 (CDC, n.d.). That is a massive economic impact for the state and for the individuals affected, who must pay copays for their doctors’ visits and medications, and haveShow MoreRelatedEffects Of Population Pollution Essay1464 Words   |  6 Pagesunfortunately causing negative impacts on the environment. Each day the air around us is becoming more polluted as the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere caused by human activities increases each day. As population continues to gradually increase, it is causing harmful effects in terms of air pollution. An increase in the number of people directly varies with the pollution that is emitted into the environment. Moreso, the human population is polluting the air due to the use of vehiclesRead MoreResearch Essay On Global Pollution1172 Words   |  5 PagesResearch Essay on Global Pollution The global pollution is one of the major hazards human civilization is confronted with at present. Few issues in the history of mankind had such a pronounced and universal effect on the entire population of our planet, its environment, flora and fauna. Pollution is a problem that also needs to be analyzed and handled in terms of its perspectives in the future, both short- and long-term. Pollution is defined as the process and result of the introduction of foreignRead MoreAir Pollution Essay1335 Words   |  6 Pages In recent years, air pollution has become a growing problem in China (Zhang, Chao). According to the newly released scientific paper by Dan Levin, outdoor air pollution contrib7utes to the deaths of 1.6 million people in China every year, and about 4,400 people a day (Levin, Dan). 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International Journal of Technology Management and Sustainable Development Free Essays

The last decade has witnessed the emergence of an array of increasingly vibrant movements to harness science and technology (ST) in the quest for a transition toward sustainability. These movements take as their point of departure a widely shared view that the challenge of sustainable development is the reconciliation of society’s development goals with the planet’s environmental limits over the long term. In seeking to help meet this sustainability challenge, the multiple movements to harness science and technology for sustainability focus on the dynamic interactions between nature and society, with equal attention to how social change shapes the environment and how environmental change shapes society. We will write a custom essay sample on International Journal of Technology Management and Sustainable Development or any similar topic only for you Order Now These movements seek to address the essential complexity of those interactions, recognizing that understanding the individual components of nature society systems provides insufficient understanding about the behaviour of the systems themselves. They are problem driven, with the goal of creating and applying knowledge in support of decision making for sustainable development. Finally, they are grounded in the belief that for such knowledge to be truly useful it generally needs to be â€Å"coproduced† through close collaboration between scholars and practitioners. The research and applications program that has begun to emerge from these movements has been called sustainability science by the National Research Council. This Special Feature high-lights this emerging program and some of the new results it is beginning to produce. The need for sustainable development initiatives to mobilize appropriate science and technology has long been recognized. Early research on sustainable yield management of renewable resources provided the foundation for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s seminal World Conservation Strategy, published in 1980. The case for making appropriate research and development (RD) an integral component of sustainable development strategies was broadened by a number of international scientific organizations during the mid-1980s, promoted by the Brundtland Commission’s report Our Common Future in 1987, and enshrined in the Agenda 21 action plan that emerged from the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992. Over the succeeding decade, the discussion of how ST could contribute more effectively to sustainability intensified, involving numerous researchers, practitioners, scientific academies, and development rganizations from around the world. By the time of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg in 2002, a broadly based consensus had begun to take shape on the most important ways in which ST has already contributed to sustainability, on what new RD is most important, and on what stands in the way of getting it done. Many of the most valuable contributions of ST to sustainable development predate the term itself. These range from the â€Å"mundane technologies† that have improved delivery of basic needs for sanitation and cooking, through the yield enhancing, land saving accomplishments of the international agricultural research system, to the fundamental scholarship of geographers and anthropologists on nature society interactions. In more recent times, a host of RD efforts explicitly aimed at promoting sustainability have been launched. These extend from a rich tradition of work on energy systems and ecosystem resilience to new initiatives in industrial ecology and earth system complexity. A feel for the breadth and scope of relevant RD now underway around the world is suggested by the rapidly growing list of entries on the virtual â€Å"Forum on Science and Technology for Sustainability†. However, much remains to be done. Perhaps the strongest message to emerge from dialogues induced by the Johannesburg Summit was that the research community needs to complement its historic role in identifying problems of sustainability with a greater willingness to join with the development and other communities to work on practical solutions to those problems. This means bringing our ST to bear on the highest-priority goals of a sustainability transition, with those goals defined not by scientists alone but rather through a dialogue between scientists and the people engaged in the practice of â€Å"meeting human needs while conserving the earth’s life support systems and reducing hunger and poverty†. At the international level, the Johannesburg Summit, building on the United Nations Millennium Declaration, has defined these priorities in terms of the so-called â€Å"WEHAB† targets for water, energy, health, agriculture, and biodiversity. A more systematic study of internationally sanctioned goals and targets for a sustainability transition, together with an evaluation of the state of reporting and assessment on progress in attaining those goals, is provided by Parris and Kates in their contribution to this Special Feature. As important as this international consensus on goals and targets may be for targeting problem-driven research in support of a sustainability transition, however, it is not sufficient. A joint workshop held by the International Council for Sciences, the Third World Academy of Science, and the Initiative on Science and Technology for Sustainability concluded that â€Å"agenda setting at the global, continental, and even national scale will miss a lot of the most important needs. The transcendent challenge is to help promote the relatively `local’ (place- or enterprise-based) dialogues from which meaningful priorities can emerge, and to put in place the local support systems that will allow those priorities to be implemented†. Where such systems exist, the production of usable, place-based knowledge for promoting sustainability has been impressive indeed. The commitment of sustainability science to problem-driven agenda setting does not mean that it has been confined to â€Å"applied† research. Indeed, pursuit of practical solutions to the pressing challenges of sustainability has driven the field to tackle an array of fundamental questions. The Friibergh Workshop on Sustainability Science identified a half-dozen such core conceptual questions that have been further developed through the virtual Forum on Science and Technology for Sustainability and are beginning to appear in the context of emerging agendas in other more established fields, such as global environmental change. Examples of the new sorts of research now beginning to emerge on several of those core questions are reported elsewhere in this Special Feature: Kates and Parris on â€Å"How are long-term trends in environment and development reshaping nature–society interactions in ways relevant to sustainability†; Turner et al. on â€Å"What determines the vulnerability or resilience of the nature–society systems in particular kinds of places and for particular types of ecosystems and human livelihoods? ; and Cash et al. on â€Å"How can today’s relatively independent activities of research planning, observation, assessment, and decision support be better integrated into systems for adaptive management and societal learning? † The sustainability science program is also beginning to address a range of fundamental observational and methodological challenges. For example, H.  J. Schellnhuber and his colleagues at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research have developed innovative new answers to the question â€Å"How can the dynamic interactions between nature and society—including lags and inertia—be better incorporated in emerging models and conceptualizations that integrate the Earth system, human development, and sustainability. Wolfgang Lucht, writing in the IHDP Update, summarizes current work on answering â€Å"How can today’s operational systems for monitoring and reporting on environmental and social conditions be integrated or extended to provide more useful guidance for efforts to navigate a transition toward sustainability and a number of groups are calling for re-examination of national and international social account measures to include sustainability considerations. Activities to advance the sustainability science program are moving forward on a number of fronts and at scales from the global to the local. One of the more up-to-date lists of programs and projects is maintained on the Forum on Science and Technology for Sustainability. As an indication of the range of activities underway internationally, the International Council for Science, Third World Academy of Sciences, Initiative on Science and Technology for Sustainability, and other organizations have formed a Consortium for promoting a coordinated international program of research, capacity building, and applications. The Earth System Science Partnership of the Global Environmental Change Programmes has launched a series of â€Å"Joint Projects on Sustainability† focused on problems of food security, water, and carbon management. An increasing number of international science assessments for environmental protection (e. g. , the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Millennium Ecosystem Assessments) are incorporating sustainability concerns. And a rapidly expanding set of multi-stakeholder â€Å"Partnerships for Sustainable Development† are developing in the wake of the Johannesburg Summit. An even greater variety of ST-based efforts are underway at the local, regional, and national levels around the world. The research products of some of these efforts are beginning to appear in the published literature, although many of the relatively local results remain largely unknown beyond their places of origin and application. Sustainability science is not yet an autonomous field or discipline, but rather a vibrant arena that is bringing together scholarship and practice, global and local perspectives from north and south, and disciplines across the natural and social sciences, engineering, and medicine. Its scope of core questions, criteria for quality control and membership are consequently in substantial flux and may be expected to remain so for some time. Nonetheless, as the papers included in this Special Feature are meant to suggest, something different is surely â€Å"in the air,† something that is intellectually exciting, practically compelling, and might as well be called â€Å"sustainability science. † How to cite International Journal of Technology Management and Sustainable Development, Essay examples

Medeas Fatal Flaw Essays - Argonauts, Women And Death, Operas, Medea

Medea's Fatal Flaw The Curse of a Fatal Flaw Every highly tragic and dramatic figure has a fatal flaw that leads to his or her downfall. The character of Medea fits into this category perfectly. Excessive passion is what leads Medea to her destruction. Her love for Jason, her selfishness, and her rage are all factors of Medea's harmartia. First, the strongest factor contributing to Medea's fatal flaw is her love for Jason. During Jason's quest of searching for the Golden Fleece and meets the Princess of Colchis, Medea falls madly in love with Jason and runs off to lolcos with him. Medea and Jason get married and have two children. Medea's excessive love for Jason started showing when she killed his uncle, who was the king of lolcos at the time, so that Jason could take over the throne and rule. But his uncle's murder resulted negatively for Medea and Jason. They were forced to flee from lolcos to the kingdom of Corinth. Once in Corinth, Jason meets the king of Corinth's daughter. He leaves Medea and their two children and marries the princess. Because Medea is madly in love with Jason, Medea is crushed to find out that Jason has left her. Medea explains to the women of Corinth that, It has crushed my heart. Life has no pleasure left, dear friends. I want to die. Jason was my whole life; he knows that well (24). Theref ore, Medea becomes outraged and over powered with excessive passion. Secondly, Medea's selfishness provides power to her fatal flaw. Medea's selfishness is displayed through the act of killing her own two sons. Medea understands that the slaying of her children will make Jason miserable. During this time, the chorus recognizes her self-worship and states, O miserable mother, to destroy your own increase, murder the babes of your body! Stone and iron are you, as you resolved to be (56). Medea does not stop to think what pain she may cause to herself by murdering them. She is only concerned about her happiness that will be derived from Jason's grieving. Medea comes to the conclusion that it is worth the suffering just to see her ex-husband unhappy. Medea states, ...my pain's a fair price, to take away your smile (59). This exhibits Medea's selfishness by the slaying of her sons just to cause sorrow to Jason for her own pleasure. Therefore, selfishness contributes to Medea's harmartia. Medea's rage also leads to her fatal flaw of excessive passion. Her excessive passion, fed by rage, leads to Medea to do uncalled for acts of violence and murder. Medea kills Jason's uncle in lolcos for the reason that she wanted Jason to be the ruler. The murder of the princess of Corinth is another example of Medea's rage. Her passion drove her to poison clothing and send it to the princess. Not only is Medea proud that she killed her, but when the messenger tells her of the death of the princess, Medea responds by saying, ...But take your time now; tell me, how did they die? You'll give me double pleasure if their death was horrible (52). Also, the Nurse acknowledges Medea's rage. While in conversation with the tutor she says, She'll not relax her rage till it has found its victim (20). This proves to be true since Medea does not give up until she has made Jason miserable. These acts of murder show the wrath of Medea's rage. In conclusion, Medea's fatal flaw of excessive passion is due to the three main reasons of her love for Jason, her selfishness, and her rage. These factors all contributed to the downfall of Medea's character.

Hernan Cortes and His Captains

Hernan Cortes and His Captains Conquistador Hernan Cortes had the perfect combination of bravery, ruthlessness, arrogance, greed, religious fervor, and insubordination to be the man who conquered the Aztec Empire. His audacious expedition stunned Europe and Mesoamerica. He did not do it alone, however. Cortes had a small army of dedicated conquistadors, important alliances with native cultures who hated the Aztecs, and a handful of dedicated captains who carried out his orders. Cortes captains were ambitious, ruthless men who had the right blend of cruelty and loyalty, and Cortes would not have succeeded without them. Who were Cortes top captains? Pedro de Alvarado, the Hotheaded Sun God With blond hair, fair skin, and blue eyes, Pedro de Alvarado was a marvel to behold for the natives of the New World. They had never seen anyone quite like him, and they nicknamed him Tonatiuh, which was the name of the Aztec sun god. It was a fitting nickname, as Alvarado had a fiery temper. Alvarado was part of the Juan de Grijalva expedition to scout the Gulf Coast in 1518 and had repeatedly pressured Grijalva to conquer native towns. Later in 1518, Alvarado joined the Cortes expedition and soon became Cortes most important lieutenant. In 1520, Cortes left Alvarado in charge in Tenochtitlan while he went to deal with an expedition led by Panfilo de Narvaez. Alvarado, sensing an attack on the Spanish by the inhabitants of the city, ordered a massacre at the Festival of Toxcatl. This so infuriated the locals that the Spanish were forced to flee the city a little more than a month later. It took Cortes a while to trust Alvarado again after that, but Tonatiuh was soon back in his commanders good graces and led one of the three causeway assaults in the siege of Tenochtitlan. Later, Cortes sent Alvarado to Guatemala. Here, he conquered the descendants of the Maya who lived there. Gonzalo de Sandoval, Cortes Right-Hand Man Gonzalo de Sandoval was barely 20 years old and without military experience when he signed on with the Cortes expedition in 1518. He soon showed great skill at arms, loyalty, and the ability to lead men, and Cortes promoted him. By the time the Spanish were masters of Tenochtitlan, Sandoval had replaced Alvarado as Cortes right-hand man. Time and again, Cortes trusted the most important assignments to Sandoval, who never let his commander down. Sandoval led the retreat on the Night of Sorrows, conducted several campaigns before the reconquest of Tenochtitlan, and led a division of men against the longest causeway when Cortes lay siege to the city in 1521. Sandoval accompanied Cortes on his disastrous 1524 expedition to Honduras. He died at the age of 31 of illness while in Spain.   Cristobal de Olid, the Warrior When supervised, Cristobal de Olid was one of Cortes more reliable captains. He was personally very brave and fond of being right in the thick of the fighting. During the Siege of Tenochtitlan, Olid was given the important job of assaulting the Coyoacn causeway, which he did admirably. After the fall of the Aztec Empire, Cortes began to worry that other conquistador expeditions would poach land along the southern frontiers of the former empire. He sent Olid by ship to Honduras with orders to pacify it and establish a town. Olid switched loyalties, however, and accepted the sponsorship of Diego de Velazquez, Governor of Cuba. When Cortes heard of this betrayal, he sent his kinsman Francisco de las Casas to arrest Olid. Instead, Olid defeated and imprisoned Las Casas. However, Las Casas escaped and killed Olid sometime in late 1524 or early 1525.   Alonso de Avila Like Alvarado and Olid, Alonso de Avila had served on Juan de Grijalvas mission of exploration along the gulf coast in 1518. Avila had the reputation of being a man who could fight and lead men, but who had a habit of speaking his mind. By most reports, Cores disliked Avila personally, but trusted his honesty. Although Avila could fight (he fought with distinction in the Tlaxcalan campaign and the Battle of Otumba), Cortes preferred to have Avila serve as an accountant and entrusted him with much of the gold discovered on the expedition. In 1521, before the final assault on Tenochtitlan, Cortes sent Avila to Hispaniola to defend his interests there. Later, once Tenochtitlan had fallen, Cortes entrusted Avila with the Royal Fifth. This was a 20 percent tax on all gold the conquistadors had discovered. Unfortunately for Avila, his ship was taken by French pirates, who stole the gold and put Avila in prison. Eventually released, Avila returned to Mexico and took part in the conquest of the Yucatan. Other Captains Avila, Olid, Sandoval, and Alvarado were Cortes most trusted lieutenants, but other men held positions of importance in Cortes conquest. Gerà ³nimo de Aguilar: Aguilar was a Spaniard marooned in Maya lands on an earlier expedition and rescued by Cortes men in 1518. His ability to speak some Maya language, coupled with the slave girl Malinches ability to speak Nahuatl and Maya, gave Cortes an effective way to communicate with Montezumas emissaries.Bernal Diaz del Castillo: Bernal Diaz was a footsoldier who participated in the Hernandez and Grijalva expeditions before signing on with Cortes. He was a loyal, dependable soldier, and had risen to positions of minor rank by the end of the conquest. He is far better remembered for his memoir The True History of the Conquest of New Spain, which he wrote decades after the conquest. This remarkable book is by far the best source about the Cortes expedition.Diego de Ordaz: A veteran of the conquest of Cuba, Diego de Ordaz was loyal to Diego de Velazquez, governor of Cuba, and even at one point attempted to subvert Cortes command. Cortes won him over, however, and Ordaz became a n important captain. Cortes even entrusted him to lead a division in the fight against Panfilo de Narvaez at the Battle of Cempoala. He was eventually honored with a knightship in Spain for his efforts during the conquest. Alonso Hernandez Portocarrero: Like Cortes, Alonso Hernandez Portocarrero was a native of Medellin. This connection served him well, as Cortes tended to favor people from his hometown. Hernandez was an early confidant of Cortes, and the slave girl Malinche was originally given to him (although Cortes took her back when he learned how useful she could be). Early in the conquest, Cortes entrusted Hernandez to return to Spain, pass along some treasures to the king, and look after his interests there. He served Cortes admirably, but made enemies of his own. He was arrested and died in prison in Spain.Martin Lopez: Martin Lopez was no soldier, but rather Cortes best engineer. Lopez was a shipwright who designed and built the brigantines, which played a crucial role in the siege of Tenochtitlan.Juan Velazquez de Leà ³n: A kinsman of Governor Diego Velazquez of Cuba, Velzquez de Leons loyalty to Cortes was originally dubious, and he joined a conspiracy to oust Cortes early in the campaign. Cortes eventually forgave him, however. Velazquez de Leon became an important commander, seeing action against the Panfilo de Narvaez expedition in 1520. He died during the Night of Sorrows.  Ã‚   Sources Castillo, Bernal Diaz Del. The Conquest of New Spain. Penguin Classics, John M. Cohen (Translator, Introduction), Paperback, Penguin Books, August 30, 1963. Castillo, Bernal Diaz Del. The True History of The Conquest of New Spain. Hackett Classics, Janet Burke (Translator), Ted Humphrey (Translator), UK ed. Edition, Hackett Publishing Company, Inc., March 15, 2012. Levy, Buddy. Conquistador: Hernan Cortes, King Montezuma and the Last Stand of the Aztecs. Hardcover, 1st edition, Bantam, June 24, 2008. Thomas, Hugh. Conquest: Montezuma, Cortes and the Fall of Old Mexico. Paperback, Reprint edition, Simon Schuster, April 7, 1995.

Boar, Boor, and Bore - Commonly Confused Words

Boar, Boor, and Bore - Commonly Confused Words The noun boar refers to an uncastrated pig. The noun boor refers to a rude or ill-mannered person. As a verb, bore means to make a hole or passage or to become tiresome or dull. In addition, bore is the past tense of the irregular verb bear.​ As a noun, bore refers to a hole made by boring, the hollow part of a tube, or someone or something that is dull and tiresome. See also: Board and Bored Examples My grandmother once stepped out onto the front porch and shot a boar that was attacking her dogs.To avoid having to attend dinner parties, Jon played the part of a hopeless boor- an uncouth country bumpkin.An engineer conceived a plan to bore a tunnel through the mountain ridge to speed upriver freight traffic.The graduation speaker was a complete bore, and half the audience went to sleep. Practice (a) These creatures _____ into the limestone by dissolving it with an acidic chemical they excrete.(b) It was a Norse tradition to eat wild _____ at Yuletide.(c) If an Englishman settles in Australia, he is regarded as a _____ if he criticizes all things Australian and constantly harps on how much better the English are.(d) Phils friends say that he has become a total _____, talking about nothing but his children and his golf game. Answers to Practice Exercises:Boar, Boor, and Bore (a) These creatures  bore  into the limestone by dissolving it with an acidic chemical they excrete.(b) It was a Norse tradition to eat wild  boar  at Yuletide.(c) If an Englishman settles in Australia, he is regarded as a  boor  if he criticizes all things Australian and constantly harps on how much better the English are.(d) Phils friends say that he has become a total  bore, talking about nothing but his children and his golf game.

Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning(fom) Dissertation

Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning(fom) - Dissertation Example Instead by segmenting the market, the company divides its market and devises marketing strategies only to the market it is going to cater to. This saves valuable resources of a company which can be spent on CSR activities and other activations that are beneficial for the entire society. The marketing strategies are devised once a company decides which segment it is going to target, hence first step of the ladder is segmentation and second is targeting and being part of the same ladder they are equally beneficial for the society as whole. Many companies like P&G, Unilever, Reckitt and Nestle have been success stories of the fact that marketing segmentation, division and targeting is not only important for the society, but it is also very important for the company. Since company is operating in the society, the profits it earns lead to improvement in standard of living and more taxes being paid and all these changes lead to betterment of the society. (Armstrong and Kotler, 2011) Refere nces: Armstrong, Gary and Kotler, Philip 2011, Marketing: an introduction, 10th edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, USA.

Perfect Competition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Perfect Competition - Essay Example Perfect Competition The model of perfect competition is based upon four assumptions. Firstly the firms are price takers. There are so many firms in the market that and single firm does not produce enough of the whole to be able to influence the market price. Therefore, they are considered as price takers where the price has already been determined at the market forces of demand and supply. There are no barriers of entry or exit for the firms. There are no stopping firms who wish to enter or leave the market. The existing firms have no role in this process. All firms are producing homogenous products. This means that the products of all firms are identical and as a result there can be no marketing in terms of names of brands. All the producers and consumers have perfect information regarding the prices of the products. Very few firms or industries come close to this model in the real world. We may see such conditions temporarily in the agricultural industry but, these do not exist in the long run. In per fect competition as stated in the assumptions above it is assumed that there are many small firms and that they cannot do anything to influence the market price. Therefore, they are considered as price takers where the price has already been determined at the market forces of demand and supply. There are no barriers of entry or exit for the firms. There are no stopping firms who wish to enter or leave the market. The existing firms have no role in this process. All firms are producing homogenous products. This means that the products of all firms are identical and as a result there can be no marketing in terms of names of brands. All the producers and consumers have perfect information regarding the prices of the products. (Sloman,2006) Very few firms or industries come close to this model in the real world. We may see such conditions temporarily in the agricultural industry but, these do not exist in the long run. In perfect competition as stated in the assumptions above it is assu med that there are many small firms and that they cannot do anything to influence the market price. The firm’s contribution to the industry and market is so small that even if it changes its output it will have no effect on the market price of the product. Thus, the firm can produce any quantity hoping to sell all of it at market price. Considering this it is derived that the demand curve is perfectly elastic and thereby, marginal revenue earned for each additional output sold is same throughout. Therefore, the marginal revenue is equal to average revenue (Bamford et al 2002.). Thus, considering that the individual firms do not affect the market price the only real decision which they have to make is the level of output to be produced. This decision can be taken by taking into account the costs of production. Considering the basic objective of the firm is to maximize profits it will produce at the point where marginal costs equals marginal revenue (MC=MR). (Bamford et al. 200 2) The first thing which needs to be understood is the difference between the short run and the long run. During the short run the number of firms in the industry is fixed. This means that no new firms will be entering the market in the short run. The existing firms will have the chance to earn abnormal profits in the short run. However, in the long run there will be other firms entering the market. Firms will enter the market if there will be signs of abnormal profits. On the other hand, if there are losses some firms may also leave the industry. (Sloman,2006) The total revenue to be earned by the firm will be equal to the price multiplied by the quantity sold. If the total cost of producing this specified number of units is lesser than the total revenue then it can be said that the firm is making abnormal profits. This will actually be an incentive for the firm to keep producing at the current rate. However, if total revenue equals total coast (TR=TC), then the firm is barely maki ng it to the breakeven point. It is this point where the firm is earning normal profits. On the other hand, it is plausibility that the total cost is greater than the total revenue. If the costs are greater, the firm may exit the industry altogether. This may not be the case at all times. If the total revenue is greater than

Barratt Development Account Information Analysis

Barratt Development Account Information Analysis Assessing the role of accounting information and accounting information system at Barratt Development Abstract Accounting information and accounting information systems (AIS) in todays information age play critical roles in facilitating decision-makers with accurate financial status of the organization and activities to pursue strategic objectives. Accountants, who are the disseminators of accounting information, need to ensure that the information provided to decision-makers such as managers, executives and board of directors is up-to-date to achieve organizational objectives, monitor performance and/or amend strategic objectives when needed. Sometimes accounting information is not as useful and even impacts negatively on the users. This is due to a host of issues that plague accounting information and its systems including authenticity, integrity and quality of the information generated. For these reasons, companies have to develop and maintain accounting information systems congruent with their business objectives to ensure usefulness, integrity and transparency to avoid ethical, legal and business conflicts. In the following evaluation, the researcher shall demonstrate the role of accounting information and accounting information system at Barratt Development Plc, with special emphasis on how the implementation of computerized accounting information systems affects issues of quality, integrity and reliability. Barratt Development Overview Barratt is one of the UKs largest homebuilders. Founded in 1958, the company today has an extended growing network of divisions spread throughout the UK. The breadth and scope of Barratt’s organizational structure can be measured by the number of resources and other pioneering projects development it serves to the communities. The company boasts market share with specialization in creating high quality, value for money homes for sale, rent and shared ownership, often in partnership with local authorities, housing associations and others (Official Website 2007). The majority, that is 80%, of the projects, are based on brown field recycled land. This commitment towards sustainable development has been congruent with the Governments future plan in sustainable development and innovation in homebuilding and construction (Official Website 2007). Even though the company has been founded since four decades, it is growing at an unprecedented speed. Since its listing in the London Stock Exchange in 1968, Barratt Development Plc has achieved high turnover. For the year 2006, the company has had a group turnover of  £2,431m. With 33 operating divisions throughout the country to serve all sectors of the market, Barratt is considered one of the most powerful groups of builders in planning and developing of the countrys housing sector (Official Website 2007). According to its executives, Barratts success lies in its geographical spread and extensive product range. The company has always ensured that sales of its homes and buildings are congruent with the average market place to appeal to a variety of buyers, yet maintains quality throughout the project. In addition, Barratt does not believe in remaining stagnant and following other players. Instead, part of its success lies in its ability to grow through innovation, and using green technologies effectively to develop projects that cost less, have more valuable benefits to the customer and environment, as well as customized to the end users preferences. Problems such as energy efficiency, health and safety, and regeneration are taken into consideration seriously (Annual Report 2006). With a strong team of specialists on its hand, Barratts management is confident in its performance and in creating value for its shareholders and stakeholders. Role of Accounting Information and AIS at Barratt Development The emergence of the digital economy and globalization has precipitated the concept of organizational systems for managing knowledge and information. In the financial context, digitized information reporting has become a link between the different units of the organization. It is through this network of information that organizations are able to utilize information in individualized management. Accounting information systems are enablers of information provision to synthesize financial information such as reports for non-standard managerial decisions. The AIS has come to be the managers knowledge through which the organization deploys knowledge for various purposes in decision frameworks (Bhimani 2003). Thus, AIS can be defined as a subsystem of the organizations information system in which quantitative data are processed to provide information for individuals or group of people with similar information needs, to use in understanding organizational activities and support decision-mak ing. Accounting information refers to processed data converted into information for the purpose of decision-making (OpenLearning ). This ideology can be exemplified by studying Barratt Development and its AIS. Accounting information at Barratt serves various groups of individuals and mainly those who are in direct relation with the business. From the top of the decision tree, the board of directors who need to direct and control the organization are the principal users of accounting information. Accounting information is used to study the trend in revenues, pre-tax profit, losses, group activities, cash flow, return on capital employed, forward order book, land, net assets, interest rates, selling price, volume of business, product sale and earnings per share to estimate the status of the business. They base their assessment on future plans, the types of project they will focus on, the kind of resources they plan to employ, and the kind of risks involved in the business (Annual Report 2006). Apart from the board of directors, accounting information provides valuable information for monitoring purposes for external groups of individuals such as the auditing committee. They study the integrity of the financial statements to objectively evaluate its relation with the organizational performance. They are also responsible for studying the financial management and reporting system to ensure that accounting procedures, system of control and processes are congruent with standards prescribed by the regulators (Annual Report 2006). The accounting information also provides useful status of the kind of credit transactions that have taken place with suppliers, the terms for repayment and how much debt the company is in without risking the companys integrity. After the Board of Directors, the auditors, and the creditors, the executives and managers are the ones who make use of the accounting information. They utilize make use of accounting information for assessing operational performance and how to improve it through strategic plans. Accounting information provides insight pertaining to the gaps or problems inherent in the skills, resources, and financial constrains that hinder the maximization of efficiency of resources to achieve organizational objectives and targets (Annual Report 2006). External users of accounting information also include the shareholders and speculators who are keen on studying the performance of the company from time to time to safeguard their interests. Information pertaining to earnings per share, share pricing, profitability, rates of returns and announcement of new shares being floated are all useful for shareholders to make investment decisions. Apart from the above-mentioned core decision-makers, accounting information is also used at the operational level for information like salaries, benefits, bonuses, pension benefits, as well as ensuring that divisional leaders are able to gauge the status of inventory, receivables, cash flow activities, assets, land, payables and taxes etc. which will impact on the overall status of the projects. The accounting information that these individuals utilize is processed by an accounting information system, which generates information from daily transactions such as sale receipts, invoices, payment slips, taxation forms, salary slips, suppliers transactional slips, and trade receivables etc. The AIS comprises of sub-sub systems set up based on accounting standards such as inventory system, supply chain system, sales proceeds systems, human resource system, and capital investment systems. The AIS is also formed based on various internal transactions recorded in these systems. Hence, the AIS at Barratt Development is based on both internal and external accounting information processing. Accounting Information Strategy at Barratt Development Although AIS has been in existence in organizations since the invention of accounting, today it is interpreted synonymously with the computerization of accounting function. The fundamental purpose of AIS is to collect, record and process data from activities related to the organizations (Stefanou 2006). The resultant information has implications in maintenance, decision and communication by internal and external stakeholders, depending on the extent of the impact of environmental factors, social factors, technological factors and organizational factors. According to Stefanou (2006), accounting information and AIS are critical for organizations to respond to highly competitive and dynamic business environments that often alter production processes and organizational structures. For this purpose, information systems such as AIS play an important role in facilitating change management and allow cross-functional requirements. At Barratt, the company has engaged Weber Shandwick Square Mile as the financial PR advisors to develop a communication framework especially designed for providing information to its shareholders and stakeholders at all times. However, this step towards transparency is limited by the companys policy not to divulge sensitive financial information to the public without the expressed approval of the Company Secretary. The company believes that this strategy helps it to ensure that key accounting information is only communicated to those genuinely concerned such as investors, private shareholders and analysts (Annual Report 2006). Barratts AIS is based on the International Financial Reporting Standards, complies with the Companies Act of 1985 and uses the generally accepted accounting principles. Under GAAP, the company also has to include estimates and assumptions that affect the companys overall financial performance, especially on assets and liabilities, while reporting of revenues and expenses. Accounting information is based on the managements interpretation of amount, activities, actions and actual/estimates and their impact on the performance of the company. For this purpose, Barratt takes into account of results/estimates from holding companies, as well as its subsidiaries, to be included in it financial statements to record revenue, expenditures, assets, liabilities, and cash flows. For example, when considering cost estimation, the company includes materials, labour and overheads of work in progress. Similarly, when considering property, plant and equipment, the company includes deferred purchase cre dit terms and costs, less depreciation of the assets (Annual Report 2006). Developing and managing accounting information is critical for inter and intra organizational information dissemination. Accurate information is required for decision support throughout the organization, as well as to ensure that the quality of information supports efficiency of operational activities. By using the GAAP principles, the companys decision-makers are able to negotiate and manage costs for determining cost price, selling price and service price of its products in the market. It is also critical for the decision-makers at the divisional level to gauge the financial implications of the project undertaken and, hence, determine its value to the overall organizational strategy. In smaller companies, it is easier to emphasize on control mechanisms such as cash, monitoring performance and maintaining relationships with external entities (Collis and Jarvis 2002). However, in an organization such as Barra tt, where holding companies, subsidiaries, supply chain and such external value chain units are connected with the companys operations, accounting estimates, though give a rough picture of the financial status, do not really provide correct financial status (Ramos 2004). Furthermore, due to the changing business environment and trend, traditional notions of control systems no longer prove effective in understanding and controlling factors that affect organizations. Bhimani (2003) is of the view that management operational strategies nowadays require a balance of all units within the organizational framework linked by an effective communication network, which emphasize on information and knowledge transfer. Any information system must facilitate information for monitoring and evaluation of the knowledge. Boland (1999) too is of the view that information systems such as the AIS must be present in the organization to create reports, support report regeneration, support decision systems, smoothen workflow and provide enquiry function. Therefore, the AIS should represent the organizational control system (Stuerke 2005). To begin with, Barratt maintains an effective financial information system that provides relevant and up-to-date information pertaining t o the organization for the purpose of maintaining investment relations. One cannot deny the fact that information pertaining to earnings forecasts, capital returns, announcements, financial performance and the like are easily available at the click of a button at Barratts investor relations web site. The purpose of this web site is to smooth the workflow of the investors, traders and analysts so that they engage in trading Barratts shares and securities (Barratt Official Website 2007). Likewise, one observes that Barratt has used its financial information system to effectively direct and control its corporate governance through which it sets standards and values for maintaining its relationship with shareholders, customers, staff, suppliers, contractors and stakeholders. It is through its corporate governance strategy that the company is able to develop an operational plan, budget, financial statements, decide on projects, conduct acquisition and disposal of units, as well as monitor business performance, set internal control for risk management and ensure transparency is existent throughout the organization (Annual Report 2006). An effective information system is dependent on a regulatory body. It is this body that monitors and evaluates the efficacy of the implementation of policies and strategies. Maintaining an information system with sensitive information, such as financial data, is useless if there are no regular checks and balances. In a financial context, this is usually carried out by the auditors. Congruent to the breadth and size of the company, Barratt has two groups of auditors internal and external. The Audit Committee (internal) comprises of executive directors with financial experience who are responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the audit process, financial management and reporting systems, as well as ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of its accounting processes. The internal control systems are reviewed regularly to monitor potential risks or discrepancies in the audit function. An external auditing company, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC has been engaged to authenticate the v alidity of the internal audit committees reports (Annual Report 2006). This approach is not new in terms of companys evaluation and monitoring. Apart from the auditing committee, Barratts Directors are also responsible for safeguarding the companys assets by monitoring for fraud and irregularities in its financial system and operations. Their task is governed by an internal control and risk management system. Although, this system may seem effective in defining risk control operations and reportage, nevertheless it is usually limited by the authority of the same directors who report, evaluate and audit the financial information disseminated at interim and annual meetings. The directors are a select group who are made responsible for the transparency of the whole companys accounting system. For example, when considering issues of land viability for acquisition, work in progress, and sub-contractor payments etc., the executive directors are dependent on the input system, which is controlled at the divisional level. Accounting of purchases, sales, and acquisitions is authenticated by the divisional heads, while the executive di rectors are dependent on these divisional units for authentication of their own reportage. Consequently, the researcher is of the view that the system only provides reasonable assurance. The risk of fraudulent activities cannot be really assured at all levels as the checks and balances are limited to the top executives only. Conclusion From the above discussion, one understands that although the digital economy has substantially revolutionized accounting information systems, it is essentially based on the same framework. Traditional accounting values such as integrity, authenticity and quality of information for the purpose of decision-making critically have remained the same. All processes in recording and processing accounting data for generating information serve the purpose of accountability and authentication of the factors of production, work in progress and performance of the firm. What has changed is the significance of the AIS as the intra and inter communication framework for stakeholders and shareholders. This is evident from the above study of Barratt Development, one of UKs top house-builder companies. Barratt, based on its operational infrastructure, has developed a complex financial information system governed by policies, procedures and disciplines for governing it. Its management has appointed top decision-makers (its directors) as gatekeepers for monitoring, evaluating and safekeeping of financial information. It has adopted standardized accounting principles for reportage and accountability so as to facilitate its shareholders and stakeholders with easy-to-access accounting information for making decisions that affect the company. Nevertheless, if one analyzes this accounting system, it is filled with gaps, which may compromise the integrity and quality of information provided to its users. Consequently, the researcher is of the view that AIS cannot guarantee authenticity, quality and integrity of information, regardless of the kind of system adopted. What is needed is a check and balance system integrated, congruent with the AIS, at all levels of the organization to ensure independent authentication of information and knowledge management. Bibliography Barratt Official Website. Company Profile. Online accessed on 20 January 2007 from: http://www.barratt-investor-relations.co.uk/corporateoverview/companyprofile.aspx Barratt Report and Accounts 2006. Bhimani, A. (2003) Management Accounting in the Digital Economy. Oxford University Press: Oxford. Boland, R. J. (1999) Accounting as a Representational Craft Lessons for Research on Information Systems in Rethinking Management Information Systems: An Interdisciplinary Perspective, Currie, W. and Galliers, B. (eds) Oxford University Press: Oxford. pp. 229 Collis, J. and Jarvis, R. (2002) Financial Information and the Management of Small Private Companies. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 9, No. 2 pp.100-110 Ramos, M. M. (2004) Interaction between management accounting and supply chain management. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal. Vol.9, No. 2, pp.134-138 Stuerke, P. S. (2005) Financial analysts as users of accounting information. International Journal of Managerial Finance Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 8-24 Barratt Report and Accounts 2006. Barratt Official Website. Company Profile. Online accessed on 20 January 2007 from: http://www.barratt-investor-relations.co.uk/corporateoverview/companyprofile.aspx Bhimani, A. (2003) Management Accounting in the Digital Economy. Oxford University Press: Oxford. Boland, R. J. (1999) Accounting as a Representational Craft Lessons for Research on Information Systems in Rethinking Management Information Systems: An Interdisciplinary Perspective, Currie, W. and Galliers, B. (eds) Oxford University Press: Oxford. pp. 229 Ramos, M. M. (2004) Interaction between management accounting and supply chain management. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal. Vol.9, No. 2, pp.134-138 Collis, J. and Jarvis, R. (2002) Financial Information and the Management of Small Private Companies. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 9, No. 2 pp.100-110 Stuerke, P. S. (2005) Financial analysts as users of accounting information. International Journal of Managerial Finance Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 8-24

Freud’s Theories

According to Freud, there is no such thing as an accident, but rather an unconscious desire. Freud developed the theory of Bungled Actions as a method to explain when things happen that seem to be accidental but play right into what that person desires at the time. The desire may not even be a conscious or purposeful event, but can be something that is desired in the subconscious and the accident or bungled action provides a means to get that desire accomplished. One might consider these bungled actions to be a doorway into our unconsciousness.In his essay â€Å"Bungled Actions†, Freud talks of cases where he saw the idea of a mistake or bungled action connecting to a deeper meaning. â€Å"Bungled actions can, of course, serve as whole number of other obscure purposes† (237). Freud talks about the idea of breaking things, harming oneself. The action of these things all are supposed to represent something that our unconscious wants to see happen. Numerous bungled actions were discussed throughout the reading which I would have never thought to be connected to one another.Smashing or breaking things with some value, there were several stories in which people said to have broken something and it was connected to an event in their lives. Freud sees the breaking of something as a sacrifice. For instance, Freud himself once being clumsy sat down at his desk to write a letter and knocked over the ink pot over which sat on his desk. Earlier in the day, his sister had commented on how his ink stand didn’t match his table and how he should get another one. Based on his theory, he believes that the reason he unconsciously broke the ink pot is purely because in his mind his sister said he needed to get another one. Dropping, knocking over and breaking objects are acts which seem to be used very often to express unconscious trains of thought† (242) as we saw in the Freud’s mishap. The story in the reading goes to say that a young boy wasnâ €™t happy with his nurses’ directions for him to spend the morning in bed. He got quite angry and threatened to kill himself. That evening the boy was showing his arm with the large bump and bruises on it and said â€Å"that was my attempt at suicide that I threatened this morning. In Freud’s eyes this child had unconsciously hit his arm because of his earlier comment. â€Å"Falling, stumbling, and slipping† aren’t always seen as â€Å"accidental miscarriages of motor activities† (243) because they always have a story behind them. Freud suggests that these things express sexual content. Believing Freud’s theory took some reading, after understanding the unconscious and the id, ego, and super ego I believe we all have an unconscious world hiding inside us waiting to â€Å"escape† through small mistakes or Freudian slips.I personally have never thought about how the accidents or mistakes I make in my life are actions that happened to try and tell me something else, but if someone is daring enough to take a gander, why not. I feel that if people are more aware of this it might not happen as often but it doesn’t hurt to investigate the urges hiding within all of us. Just the other week I was talking to my parents about how I wanted to get a new laptop because my computer was getting old. I also thought how nice it would be to be able to take it to different places, such as school.We were throwing the around and decided to wait until laptops were on sale right before September. My dad has been looking online for sales ever since. Just the other morning my dad needed to jump on the internet really quick before he went to work in the morning, I guess he was still half asleep and knocked a whole cup of hot coffee right on top of the computer. Needless to say we had to go out Saturday morning to buy me a new laptop; the coffee destroyed it! My dad’s subconscious really wanted to buy me a new laptop, I guess.

The Dell Corporation The Significance Of Operation Management - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 10 Words: 3132 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Management Essay Type Narrative essay Did you like this example? Operations management is basically managing/overseeing all the processes involved in production, right from the production itself, to the distribution and sale of the products. Operations management therefore often constitutes analyzing the various processes and operations of the organization to grade and help constantly improve their efficiency and effectiveness (Andrew, 26). The operations management team is also tasked with increasing performance, inducing and maintaining optimal production levels and reducing all operational costs at all levels, with the ultimate goal being to increase the companys profit margins while at the same time maintaining high quality standards. Although operations management (OM) mostly deals with the operations of the company, it also focuses on the needs of the end-consumer for without them, operations management is rendered pointless. Dell Computer Corporation utilizes a very effective model of operations management. The cor e resource of any operations management is the human resource. With this knowledge, the company puts special emphasis on the selection of the operations management staff. The company ensures that recruitment of such staff is open and fair, hiring only the best candidates who show the greatest potential and a wide variety of relevant skills (William, 579). The company also encourages and rewards excellence in performance and promotes innovativeness, creativity and team work among the staff. With the advent of technology, it is also easier to manage and monitor changes and progress in the whole production process in real-time. This translates to a faster Turn-Around-Time in transactions and an ability to make decisions faster thus saving both time and resources. Dell Computer Corporation is at the forefront of the technological revolution placing it in a good tactical position to fully exploit these benefits (Alison, 46). Seeing that the operations management team deals with almost all levels of the production process, the operations managers really have their work cut out for them. In recruiting operation managers, Dell Computer Corporation not only seeks out candidates with advanced operation skills, but also interpersonal skills, leadership skills, as well as a general knowledge of various functional areas within the company. This is because they in the course of executing their tasks, they should also show a remarkable ability to communicate with other staff, promote team work, be able to motivate others and also work with multidisciplinary teams. Such multidisciplinary areas may include:- a) Process design and innovation This mainly deals with outlining the production process from obtaining the raw materials, designing the product and making the finished product. b) Distribution chains This involves transporting the finished products from the manufacturing plant to the end point-of-sale, whether to intermediaries or to the end consum er. c) Marketing This sector in the production process simply deals with making sales. They are tasked with setting prices for various markets and evaluating the profitability of the products by evaluating the cost of production versus the price at which the product is presented to the market. The marketing team is also responsible for building the brand name through advertisements and promotional offers. d) Finance In every business, the core activity is making transactions. These transactions are handled by the finance department. Straight from the capital to production costs and finally to income generated by the business, all these transactions need to be recorded, managed and constantly monitored to determine the financial health of the company. Inventories of assets and liabilities are made and managed by the finance team. e) Service operations This deals with services utilized within the daily operations of the company. Services such as product performanc e evaluation, packaging and delivery among others are handled by the service operations team. f) Customer service Production companies need to get feedback from the customers and also provide customer care services for troubleshooting and other purposes. This improves customer relations and if the customer care service is efficient enough, it goes a long way in creating a reputable brand name. The customer feels sufficiently catered for and that is one way of creating and maintaining loyalty in the customers. In general, the effectiveness of operations management can be graded by how productive the company is. Operations managers calculate this by getting the ratio of outputs to inputs: Productivity ratio: Outputs Inputs For Dell Computer Corporation, outputs comprise of both computers and computer parts. The inputs include capital, raw materials, machinery/equipment, human resource (labor), and other assets. Basically, productivity = Output or Output or Output or Output Labor Capital Materials Energy Principles of Operations Management The essence of any business venture is to provide/produce goods and or services for sale. To achieve that, the management of any such business must first be in touch with the needs of the customer and be able to meet the demand. Dell Computer Corporation identifies the kind of product needed by a particular customer or group of customers and strives to provide an almost customized product for that particular market. The first principle applied here is knowing which market needs what product and the location of that market. This is achieved by doing a market research or survey where the customers are presented with a forum on which they can air their needs or what they would expect in a product and the features most relevant to them. Customers are also provided with an opportunity to give feedback on products they have purchased and they also receive free customer support services as an added ben efit. Using this data, the company is in a better position to understand and cater for the customers needs and expectations. In addition, frequent customers are offered low prices and other promotional offers to create loyalty and to widen the customer base. This is not only a good strategy to avoid losing customers to the competitors, but it creates a sense of belonging in the customer. Dell Computer Corporation also sends updates to willing customers on new products even before they hit the market. There are vital factors to consider even after a business has picked up and is seemingly running smoothly with an inevitable projected progress in sales and growth. One of these is quality control. Maintaining the quality of products that are being presented to the customer is vital as this not only builds a good reputation in the market, but also means that your brand name remains untarnished. Once a reputation goes down the drain, the process of rebranding or regaining the market t rust will be an uphill task not to mention very costly. Although quality control checks and maintains high standards of production and quality goods/services, it also comes in handy when eliminating redundancies in the production line. In every market, there are bound to be several investors. Even in a new market, competition sprouts at the first sign of success. It is the inevitability of supply and demand. Dell Computer Corporation operates in a market in which competition is strife. Therefore, the company chose not to ignore the competition but get to know what kind of competition other firms pose and then make strategic decisions that will help the company engage in healthy competition in the market knowing the competition helps the company assess both its products and others flooding the market, with an aim on improving the quality of the product, better meeting the needs of the market, and reviewing the cost of the products in order to stay competitive and at the same ti me affordable (Chris, 116). The staff (human resource) of any company constitutes the heart of the company. All factors constant, the staff determine the performance of a company. Dell Computer Corporation has made a remarkable investment in human resources. This has been achieved, as aforementioned, through acquisition of highly qualified and highly motivated personnel. In addition, Dell Computer Corporation ensures health, safety and security measures are in place and effective for its staff. The company also continually upgrades its staff by facilitating their retraining and cross-training through seminars, workshops and company-sponsored courses. In a bid to get the most out of the available resources, the company sets out to frequently perform servicing and maintenance on the machinery. This increases the lifespan of the equipment while reducing chances of breakdowns. What this means is that the company will save on new equipment as the existing one will last longer, and also save on damage control or repairs since few of those will be experienced. Moreover, during acquisition of new equipment, the company targets low-cost equipment that is mobile or easy to move and upgradeable in the future. Compatibility is important in making sure that the equipment can be used with either existing machinery, or new additional equipment. The design and organization of any company is also a key principle of operations management. Dell Computer Corporation disseminates and delegates various resources into several paths in the distribution channels with the intention of focusing on a specific product or service, or even a particular type of customer. The company also strives to identify the best supplier for its needs and acquire high quality raw materials at the best price. This is geared to increasing profit margins. To calculate this, the break-even analysis can be applied. This analysis helps the company calculate and determine the point at which the revenue generated by the product and the total cost are equal. In this case, it can also be utilized by the company to determine when the company starts making profit on the equipment. Break-even demand = cost of process or equipment Price per unit cost per unit Or Total fixed costs of process of equipment Unit price to customer Variable costs per unit The core operation in any manufacturing plant is to process raw materials to end up with a finished product ready for the market. To secure uniformity in the products, the processing itself needs to be void of variations and errors. Therefore, the company ensures the uniformity of the production process. The time taken from acquisition of raw materials/supplies through the production process to distribution and finally delivery of the products (wait time) should be considerably reduced. The distance between the manufacturing plant and the suppliers, manufacturing plant and the distributors, distributors and the retail fac ilities, and between the retail facilities and the customers should also be as short as possible to reduce transports costs and save time. Every production process is susceptible to problems. It is vital that the company designs and implements a suitable problem solving model. The first step to problem solving is identifying a problem when it occurs. For this reason, Dell Computer Corporation collects and records data throughout the production process analyzing the quality of the end products, the processing data and any flaws to the products that are detected. With this data, the company is able to take corrective measures to the production line by identifying the causes of such problems and implementing solutions. Problems and weaknesses in the current operations management system As discussed earlier, Dell Computer Corporation engages in data collection on the performance of its products and also provides both customer support and a forum for airing comments and new idea s to further improve their product. In such a scenario, the data collected can be, and mostly is, overwhelming. What starts out as a great channel to obtain vital information and feedback becomes a liability by wasting resources. Sifting through all that data and sorting the relevant from the irrelevant can be both time consuming and needs a lot of manpower (Schneider, 109). This has led to the company seeking a more efficient way to collect and sort the data. During the recent global recession, many businesses sank. With the tough economic times, there were just not as many customers to sustain their businesses. Products piled up in stores and warehouses and soon the cost of running these businesses far exceeded the amount of sales leave alone gross profits they were making. Dell Computer Corporation was not spared either. All businesses felt the crunch. During this period, sales went down by a considerable percentage and the company was suddenly not getting as many orders as projected. The company was in the course of several expansion projects which needed, and were utilizing, a lot of resources. The company was producing more than what the market was able/willing to take on. And although the financial crisis is slowly deteriorating, the company has had a surplus of products that were meant for sale in the market 2 years ago. But with the new production line of improved products, that means these surplus products are almost running obsolete in todays market. In an organization as huge as Dell Computer Corporation, there are a myriad of operations going on at the same time in various locations, not to mention the big number of staff/personnel. In such a setting, coordinating all the activities that happen within and without each plant, facility or branch presents humongous challenges. The work flow is dependent on the smooth operation and executing specific tasks in tandem. Therefore, operations managers are faced with a challenge in managing and overseeing all the operations of the company and supervision different departments and the roles they play in the production process. There is a real risk of losing control of some vital operations or leaving others unattended to. Moreover, gathering such information on what exactly is happening at what location in real time presents a challenge. Remedies Anticipation in the business world is a priceless asset. A business enterprise should always try to predict market trends and forecast the possibilities in the future using relevant data. The element of surprise is disadvantageous in business. Just before the global financial crisis, Dell Computer Corporation ought to have made accurate projections on the impending crisis and planned appropriately. The company had sought to reduce the wait time by mass producing a product that has turned out to be running obsolete only 2 years down the line. In the technology industry, products are more like perishables because of the high ra te of technological advancement. As operations managers oversee and coordinate between various departments in the organization, they should have mobility. Usually, mobility comes at the price of losing proximity to the office or some central information processing point. This can be remedied by providing, not only the operations managers but also all the personnel, with mobile devices e.g. PDAs and Pocket PCs through which they can receive, send and access information on various processes and events in the organization in real-time whenever they are. Using these devices, they remain constantly updated on what is happening and provides an excellent reliable means of communication channel to all. Forecasting provides a company with an advantage in that it shows what the future will be using available data hence estimating future occurrences/trends. This helps the operations managers to plan for the future and restructure the system, if need be, appropriately. It also helps them plan the implementation of the planned system well before hand. However, during forecasting, a deviation or margin of error, is inevitable as it is rarely perfect. Also, if more data is available to be counted upon, then this increases the accuracy of the forecast. A good forecast should be reliable, accurate, timely and easy to utilize. The forecast should also be reliable as the direction will take heavily relies on such a forecast. The figure below shows a sales forecast for Dell Computer Corporation small-scale retailer for the next 5 months. Months Forecast of sales Actual Sales Error Squared Error = E2 1 10 8 2 4 2 8 12 4 16 3 11 7 4 16 4 14 16 2 4 5 10 8 2 4 Total 14 44 Total absolute deviation (TAD) = 14 Mean absolute deviation (MAD) = S(Actual forecast) /n = 14/5 = 2.8 Total squared Error (TSE) = 44 Mean Square Error (MSE) = 44/5 = 8.8 With such a forecast, the retailer is in a position to make an informed decision about how much stock t o order and also give reliable feedback about the market trends of that locality. Recommendations After conducting a market research, it emerged that with the rapid advance of technology, new products and services are being introduced into the market at an alarming rate. There is a wide variety of products and services that grows even wider by the day. Many innovations and new ideas are being formulated and incorporated into product lines then introduced to the market. With such a steady influx of products, Dell Computer Corporation ought to consider reducing the time taken to develop and manufacture and introduce new products to the market. Of course, there is a delicate balance between the rate at which the company can execute new developments and the cost of such a major operation. As we have seen, technological advancements are occurring everyday and at an alarming rate. Any business venture should strive to upgrade their systems regularly in order to avoid becoming obs olete. With this knowledge, the company is constantly integrating new advancements in technology into its operations. The companys position in the technology market puts in an advantageous position to exploit technology as a strong point. Provision of high quality goods and or services is the core goal of a manufacturing company. Dell Computer Corporation provides high quality products to its customers worldwide. But more than that, the company is intent on maintaining the high quality level of products throughout the production process. At the same time, the company tries to check and control the production cost so that the cost of production is not too exorbitant and run the risk of reducing the profit margins. The human resource is one of the core resources of a company. It is necessary for a company to invest in its staff/personnel. Simply recruiting qualified personnel is hardly enough to make a positive impact in a company. Dell Computer Corporation also engages in staff seminars and constant retraining and re-evaluating employees to improve their skills and performance in the company. During the distribution process, the company is bound to interact with the customer, either directly or indirectly through the use of intermediaries like wholesalers and retailers. This interaction is very vital. This is because to achieve maximum sales, all the players in the distribution channel should be customer-friendly. Right from the location of the supply facility to the display of the product, its packaging, delivery and customer service, the process is designed to be user-friendly. As witnessed in the market, competitors have merged to form a formidable force and have increased their market share immensely. Dell Computer Corporation looks forward to identifying and working jointly with potential partners to form strategic alliances and to pool the available resources with an aim of expanding the market share and consequently sales. As of September 2010, Dell Computer Corporation was number 2 in PC market share behind Hewlett Packard and knocking off Acer from that position. Taking into consideration the recent mergers and acquisition carried out by HP, it is clear that Dell is the choice of many for networking and technological solutions. Don’t waste time! 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