Friday, November 29, 2019

Cuban Missile Crisis Essays (1116 words) - Nikita Khrushchev

Cuban Missile Crisis The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 was the closest the world ever came to full-scale nuclear war. When the Soviet Union placed offensive nuclear missiles in Cuba, President Kennedy interpreted the act as one of hostility that would not be tolerated. However, the situation was blown way out or proportion by the president, American media, and ultimately the citizens of the United States. The Soviet Premier, Nikita Khrushchev, was reacting to the Bay of Pigs Invasion of Cuba, US Missile installations along the Turkey/Soviet border, and the clear anti-Communist policy of the United States. Khrushchev was born in Kalinovka in southwestern Russia. He was raised in a poor family whose income depended solely on the coal mining job of his father. In 1918 he joined the Bolsheviks and attended a Communist school the following year. He moved to Moscow in 1929 and began working for the Communist government. He gained much praise and advanced quickly. By 1939, he was a member of the Politburo. He became Secretary of the of the Central Committee in 1951. After Stalin died in 1953, the USSR went through two more premiers before Khrushchev came to power in 1958. As Premier, Khrushchev publicly condemned the terror filled reign of Stalin. Stalin continually pushed for domination. Several Eastern European countries united with the USSR under Stalin's reign and millions of innocent people were slain. Stalin also restricted Soviet citizens personal liberties to previously unheard of measures. Khrushchev was a completely different ruler. He acridly criticized Stalin's crimes against humanity and began a rapid process known as destalinization. This entailed destroying statues, pictures, or images of Stalin and renaming most things previously named for Stalin. Khrushchev also restored many of the personal liberties that Stalin had taken away. He let political prisoners free, restored much freedom of thought, and restored freedom of the press. He increased production in factories and placed a strong emphasis on the Soviet space program. Although he had little pity for small, weak Europe and Asian countries, he worked to avoid war with Western nations. He even called for a "peaceful coexistence" with the United States. Khrushchev, despite being communist, was concerned for the welfare of his country and did not want war with the United States. Despite his desire to avoid conflict with the western world, Khrushchev was faced with an aggressive United States government, and had to act accordingly. The Bay of Pigs invasion was a prime example. This overt military action took place when the CIA funded a paramilitary force of rebel Cubans to invade Cuba and overthrow Castro. Kennedy refused to give the invasion strong American military force so it ultimately failed, thus becoming a great embarrassment to the United States. Not only was it an incredible failure and embarrassment, but it was also a US sponsored military offensive against Cuba, a communist country and Soviet ally. It was a challenge to the governments of both the Soviet Union and Cuba. In addition to the attack on Cuba, Khrushchev was also faced with US missile installations in Turkey and Italy that posed a serious threat to the Soviet Union. The installations in Turkey were less than 150 miles from the Soviet border. The installations here were MRBMs, Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles, and were nearly identical to the missiles Khrushchev had installed in Cuba. He was merely trying to prevent the US from gaining the upper hand in a power struggle, which could have meant serious disaster for the Soviets. Khrushchev, just like Kennedy and the rest of the United States, didn't want the enemy to gain a nuclear advantage. He was trying to protect his country and prevent nuclear disaster. The hysteria created in the United States as a result of the Soviet installations was immense. The US media was calling Khrushchev's actions aggressive and people began to panic. Kennedy and his advisors were debating whether or not to invade Cuba to destroy the missiles (which would have meant war), or to negotiate with Khrushchev. The situation was turned into a crisis. Khrushchev sent his first of two letters to Kennedy on October 24, 1962 in which he explained his reasons for installing the missiles. He said that the action was not aggressive, and that they would remove them immediately if the US missiles in Turkey were dismantled and Kennedy publicly promised not to invade Cuba. The fact that Khrushchev wanted the Turkey missiles dismantled was hidden from the American public for several years, making Khrushchev look much more militant than he truly was. Kennedy still debated with his

Monday, November 25, 2019

Developing the Best Supply Chain Strategy for Hong Kong †Economics Research Paper (400 Level Course)

Developing the Best Supply Chain Strategy for Hong Kong – Economics Research Paper (400 Level Course) Free Online Research Papers Developing the Best Supply Chain Strategy for Hong Kong Economics Research Paper (400 Level Course) Objectives This study is to analyze how companies develop the best supply chain management strategy for Hong Kong. We mainly focus on the methods using by companies. Other than this, we also suggest what government can do to support a best SCM. It is because the success of practicing the best SCM not only depends on company’s internal structure, but also depends on support of government. Based on our knowledge, we try to analyze the opportunities and challenges facing to Hong Kong. Also, we show that how companies grasp the chances to develop SCM. Background As there is a change of consumer value, it is a must to have a change of management. At the very beginning, consumer mainly focus on the price of goods, they intend to buy the cheapest goods no matter how difficult to get those products. Time to time, their mindsets change to focus on the qualities of products. That is the slogan ‘right time, right quality, right place’ nowadays. The qualities, customer services and convenience become the important part of considering the consumption. Apart from this, western culture is influencing Hong Kong day by day. As the supply chain management had already been developed early in 90 century in western countries, we can see the advantages of practicing supply chain management. From knowing the benefits of SCM, the practice of SCM is inevitable in order to gain more profits and enlarge business size. Therefore, many firms and companies are trying to employ skilled persons with SCM knowledge so that they can build up a SC in their companies. Not only company urges to develop SCM, Hong Kong government also supports and encourages Hong Kong companies to develop SCM. Frequently, HK government tries to provide some courses about SCM. These courses are much cheaper than those provided by private organization. It also builds some roads and ports for practicing SCM effectively Methodology. All information are collected by the newspaper, Internet and reference books. Definition of Supply Chain Management Strategy The concept of SCM strategy is not straightforward. Some elements of strategy have universal validity and can be applied to any firm, regardless of its nature. Others appear heavily dependent on the firm’s structure, culture, and economic environment. SCM strategy is a coherent, unifying, and integrative pattern of decisions. It determines and reveals the organization’s purpose of supply chain activities in terms of the firm’s long-term objectives, action programs and resource allocation priorities. It attempts to support or achieve for the firm a long-term, substantial advantage by responding properly to opportunities and threats in the firm’s environment. A SCM strategy must be comprehensive; meanwhile, it must be break down the complex web of decisions into analyzable piece. Opportunity What is opportunity ? Opportunity is a chance for companies to develop SCM strategy There are 3 main opportunity for companies to develop the SCM strategy. Hong Kong Exports Trends Consumer and Retail Trends China entry into WTO 1. Hong Kong Export Trends In 1996, total exports through Hong Kong reached the level of US$ 181 billion. Though the export trade is still increasing, the growth rate has weakened to only 4% in 1996, from 21 % in 1992. According to the statistic, the total exports in Hong Kong tend to decrease after 1997. From 1991 to 1997, the rate of increase of the exports is decrease, from 1991, +21%, to 1997, +3%. In 1998, the exports is decrease and its dollar of export is 172.3 billion US dollars because of financial crisis. Although the exports sharply increases in 2000, the percentage decrease between 2000 and 2001 is 5%. The tendency line is decrease or level. According to the government statistic, by comparing January 2002 with January 2001, decreases were recorded in the value of domestic exports of goods to Germany (-48.2%), Singapore (-43.3%), the United States (-35.0%), Malaysia (-31.1%), the United Kingdom (-28.9%), Canada (-24.0%), the Netherlands (-16.1%) and Japan (-6.5%). On the other hand, the value of domestic exports of goods to the Mainland and Taiwan rose by 11.4% and 6.9% respectively China is the largest trading partners. From the result above, only China increases because the economic in China is increasing strongly. Most goods are needed Hong Kong as a middleman to export the goods to the other countries before China enter into the WTO. Since the USA, Germany and United Kingdom are the three largest western trading partners for Hong Kong’s consumer goods export industry. The decrease of total exports is due to the competition from Central/South American, Eastern European, Indian or Caribbean suppliers of consumer goods. These countries are the strong competitors in the key markets of the USA, UK and Germany. The market in these three largest countries has lost a significant market share by the global competitor. Caribbean and Central America took a larger share of imports into the US. Eastern Europe and Turkey gained import shares especially for Germany. A larger proportion of British import orders went to suppliers from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. The loss of market share because the sourcing practices has restructured the method and timing. Traditional pre-season orders are increasingly being replaced by last minute ordering budgets, with more replenishment orders being placed in the light of actual sales. Retailers should gain more flexibility to adopt the unexpected consumer trends. In these competitor can provide more choice for the USA, UK and Germany to select the products. On the other hand, Hong Kong also uses the traditional method to produce the products and goods, which is not flexibility to meet the USA, UK and Germany needs. The price in Hong Kong is greater than those competitors. Free-trade agreements (e.g. NAFTA) between the western economics and the new sourcing regions only provide a partial explanation of the shift of sourcing patterns towards other countries including those mentioned above. Retailers’ needs for speeding sourcing and replenishment services are a more significant factor. In order increase the competitive, the SCM strategy should be developed. The SCM can increase the goods flexibility, which can get a higher on-shelf performance and lower price of the goods. Quick response and value chain are also needed to provide a good customer services.2. Western Consumer and Retail Trends Consumer Trends In 80’s, quality, price and time were the main factors influencing consumers’ purchasing decisions. However, in 1990s’, the desire for convenience, constraints, upon time and greater interest in entertainment have added new challenge for the retail industry in the US and Europe. Besides consumer today focus on the financial security, health care, comfort and safety. Moreover, high tax and cost of medical care are the major expenditure. Therefore, the expenditure on consumer goods decrease due to growing expenses. According to the 1997 Consumer Pulse Survey in the USA, over half of consumers agree that they have less leisure time now than before, while 62% admit to working longer hours now than ever before. In 1995 consumers spent averaged 4.3 hours per month on shopping. Consumers are prefer to spend more on enjoyment than go to shopping. In Europe and other areas the trends is similar, people tends to reduce the shopping time and spend more time on other activities. Some people describe shopping as a â€Å"hassle†. According 1997 KSA Consumer Pulse Survey Showed that 68% of consumers walk into a store with a clear idea of what they want to buy, but they run a nearly 50% chance of being disappointed. 68% of consumer enter a store with clear idea then 81% don’t like the style 67% not suitable size 66% price too high 59 % doesn’t fit 49 % can’t find what they are looking for source: KSA the statistic shows that 49 % of consumer want to spend money buying goods; however, the goods are not fit, price is too high, the style is not good. Retailer trends Considering these changing consumers’ trends, retailers must do some policies to attract the consumers. Retailers should change their strategies to satisfy the customers needs. The strategies includes increase availability, replenish products regularly, shorten product development lead times and quick response. These strategies are the supply chain strategy. Retailers have reconfigured their supply chains in order to ensure better availability of merchandise in their stores. Hong Kong companies no matter the exporter, retailer, supplier, should adopt these changes and meeting the consumers needs. As a result, Hong Kong companies should develop SCM in order to avoid eliminating through the competition because the consumers are the main source of income in the company. 3. China entry into the WTO Potential Market in China After China enters into the WTO, all walks of life will be open. Facing the large potential market foreign investors will invest lots of capital in China such as building the manufacturing industry. China Government forecast that after China enters into the WTO, the GDP will be greater 1 trillion Yuan. The import and export in China also increase stable from 1996 to 2001. This shows that the volume of imports and exports in China will continuous increase because the entry into the WTO. After entry into the WTO, all countries are treated as fair as possible. The regulations in exports and imports will less than before. The quota of imports and exports will decrease. In order to perform the fairness in the WTO, China will break down business who are monopoly. The foreign investors can wholly have a company. The statistic also shows that the consumer power in China is very strong. We can predict that the consumer power in China market will increase strongly after China enter into the WTO. Hong Kong challenge The tradition position in Hong Kong has changed. The goods do not need to go into Hong Kong and then go into the China. After entry into the WTO, goods can directly flow into China. Hong Kong Opportunity The logistic in China are still at the beginning stage whatever the software and hardware. In logistic, the warehouse facilities, distribution center, road, port and airport are not efficiently run. The people who are lack of knowledge of logistic and SCM. Hong Kong can focus on the SCM which provide a effective and efficient way to distribute the goods and the value chain to have a quick response in customer, supplier and consumer. The future road for Hong Kong is to develop an efficient logistic network in China in order to increase re-export volume between China and other countries. Hong Kong can reply on its good import and exports relationship and logistic network to China and foreign countries act as a stepping-stone for foreign companies to invest in China. Since Hong Kong has a effective airport and port the goods can flow into the Hong Kong and distribute to other regions in China. To face the huge consumer market in China, Hong Kong companies can act as the agent of foreign products and help the products to go into the China market successfully because Hong Kong has a good experience and relationships in China market. As a result, it should have a good marketing concept and strategy and good SCM strategy to maintain a good services to satisfy the customer needs. The challenge Firstly, Hong Kong businessmen have silo thinking, many information is available in each supply chain members, but they are reluctant to share it due to a lack of trust and a fear that the information will be revealed to competitors. Secondly, different facilities in the supply chain may have different, conflicting objectives. For example, manufacturers objective of making large production batches typically conflicts with the objective of both warehouses and distribution centers to reduce inventory. As a result, conflict management in interorganizational relationships is becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Thirdly, there is communication problem in the supply chain. Supply chain members come from different area of the industry and come from different country. Since the different cultures, languages and specific knowledge, it is difficult for them to communicate and cooperate. Fourthly, there are not enough trainee and infrastructures in Hong Kong. Supply chain management is still a new concept for many Hong Kong businessmen. It is essential to provide a number of professions in SCM . But it is costly for businessmen to take a course. Also, the infrastructures are not enough. There is traffic jam during peak hours in Hong Kong. Fifthly, SCM increase the cost of transportation. To apply the JIT and get a zero inventory, increasing frequency of transport inventory is needed. As a result, the transportation cost is increased. Sixthly, Hong Kong faces a strong competitor. Hong Kong ports and logistics services providers are recognized as having the edge in SCM operations experience compared with their mainland counterparts. Shanghai and Guangzhou, will become more competitive with Hong Kong within the next five years. They had been making steady progress in building up their information technology and transport infrastructure. Chinas State Economic and Trade Commission data indicate the market is worth about 100 million Yuan (about HK$93.76 million). With its gigantic manufacturing base and domestic market, Chinas import and export traffic through the Pearl River Delta, as well as demand for third-party logistics services will grow by leaps and bounds. And admission to the World Trade Organization was accelerating infrastructure development programs. Seventhly, the ability to control outsource suppliers is diminished.Many companies are shifting the control of their reputation to outsiders. The outsourcing phenomena may have come into vogue to offset the rate and magnitude of corporate downsizing. But, if critical components of the companys core competency have been outsourced, their competitive resiliency is compromised. As the external environment continues to place pressure on companies, the ability to control outsource suppliers is diminished. Eighthly, HK companies have a week security in Internet. According to a research made by Productivity council in 2000,many companies in HK do not have a strong security in computer. In the three thousand interviewees, 76% out of three thousand interviewees just use the base Internet security technology like antiviral software and password. To develop a supply chain management system, many advanced IT to several aspects of its business including its allocation of resources, process control, product distribution, procurement and online sales are needed. Review: Before planning the supply chain management strategies, we should review the structure, human recourses available, technology level available, location of administration center and distribution center and the inventory needed of a company Structure An organization is the result of the organizing process. it refers to a group of people working together to achieve a common objective (develop the supply chain management strategies).To facilitate achievement of the objective ,a clear structure of the organization should help the people in the organization reach their objective. Organizational structure is the organization’s framework in which activities are organized and co-ordinated. Communication is a very important part in supply chain. A clear structure of the organization should fulfill the principle of chain of command and unity of command. Chain of command is the paths an order should take from the highest to the lowest levels of management. Response and feedback also travel along the same chains back up to the higher management levels. It seems that it will slow down the communication process as orders or responses have to pass through layers of management before they reach their final destinations, but using supply chain strategies it can improve the speed of communication. Besides chain of command, unity of command also is important, it means that each person reports to only one superior, it can ensure that a subordinate will get orders from only one source. If a subordinate reports to more than one superior, he may receive conflicting orders from different superiors at the same time. He will be very frustrated, as he does not know which order should be followed. So it can improve the speed of market response. Human Resource Management As employees are very important to the success or the objective achievement of a company so human resources planning is very important to implement the supply chain strategy. The first step is to forecast human resources requirement, for example, the talent of supply chain and the number of employee in each departments needed. The next step is to compare and find ways to eliminate the discrepancies between the availability of human resources and the forecasting of human resources requirement. There are some ways to deal with the surplus and the shortage of employees, for example, hiring, promotion, transfer, training, and dismiss redundant personnel Location If a company want to develop a supply chain system, its administration center must not located at the place where is difficult to gather information, as the most important part of the supply chain is communication, such as customers feedback and market situation. Then the distribution center and the warehouse cannot be located in the place where is inaccessible and high land cost, the reasons are the customer today require company has flexible delivery of products and the company need to lower its inventory cost according to increase the competitive power. Technology level (hardware) The importance of information and the supporting technology, to supply chain management is evident, determining which specific systems and application can provide a specific supply chain with the greatest benefit is very important . In the development and maintenance of the supply chain’s information systems, the technology level must be addressed. Analyze the technology level within the company is suitable for supply chain system or not. That means the company needs to computerize the system in all departments. It can improve the communication efficiency among different departments and partners. For example, the inventory level in the warehouse can be monitored and order the material in right quantity and right time. Inventory needed Depend on each case, the company needed to decide that the materials are purchased from one major supplier or few suppliers. If the company chooses one major supplier, the company may have some discount and have a better relationship with the supplier. However, if the company chooses few suppliers, it can lower the risk of depending on one major supplier for example the delay of delivery or production in the major supplier. As there is a risk of delay of delivery, to avoid the stock out cost, inventory or safety stock may be needed. However the company needs to consider the feather of the product and the customer’s requirements then the company can decide the inventory level. For example, the company will not keep many perishable inventories. Supply chain operation strategy In the supply chain operation strategy, it involves the implementation of technology equipment and managerial skills for enhancing communication between the inter-departments that are under the same company. To take an example, the sales department can know how many products or semi-products in the inventory when they use the Internet system. It is meaningless to talk about the concept of supply chain strategy if the inter-department is lack good communication. The second purpose of supply chain operation strategy is enhancing communication between inbound and outbound partner. In fact, many companies in Hong Kong such as Park’N shop and Johnson Johnson have used the EDI and the EAN/UCC system. Under the EDI system, the formatted data can be transferred between the Park’N shop and Johnson Johnson computer system. Using the EDI can reduce the paperwork which can reduce the administration cost as well as human resources. Staff can be re-deployed to other more value-added functions within the organization. And also, EDI can transfer the large volumes of commercial data between the business partner in a matter of minutes, enabling faster response and increasing ECR efficient Customer Response. Since EDI can reduce the paperwork, it can eliminate the inevitable errors resulting from manual data input. EDI also enables companies to better manage and control production, purchasing and delivery requirements. EAN/UCC system can provi de unique global product identification to the business partner. It can save the time and human resources for product identification and checking the amount of inventory. Both Johnson Johnson and Park’N shop have agreed and established a forecast model which includes forecast quantity, safety stock and service level and lead time. Under this model, Johnson Johnson can share the daily stock-on hand and ex-warehouse data through EDI, to generate daily-proposed purchase order in EDI for Park’N shop. Not only the information flow can increase by using technology equipment such as EDI, but also it can be enhanced by the human communication. To take an example, Watsons the Chemist and Procter Gamble has formed a cross-functional team. It involves the representatives from marketing, sales, merchandising, operations, logistics and IT functions from the both side. In this cross-functional team, they have the opportunity to develop the same goal which can increase the relationship between the Watsons the Chemist and Procter Gamble. Since many business in Hong Kong such as Watsons the Chemist, Procter Gamble, Park’N shop and Johnson Johnson have implemented the concept of supply chain for many years, many people who are experienced in managing the supply chain in Hong Kong. The most important thing is they are top level and middle level managers who have good conceptual and communication skill. It can help to develop the best supply chain strategy respect to experienced mangers. Compared with other Asian country, many businesses in Hong Kong implemented the supply chain equipment with high efficiency. Logistics strategy Logistics strategy is the strategy of planning, implementing, controlling the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services and related information among the supply chain partner to satisfy the customer’s need at dynamic environment. Under this strategy, it involves the Cross docking, ASN (Advanced Shipping Notice) and Dispatch Advice. Cross docking is the term for the process that allows a retailer to receive the goods at the distribution center and process them for direct store delivery without further handing. The main advantages of using the Cross docking is reduce the warehouse cost and improve the lead-time. I Inventory management is one of the important steps of applying successful logistics strategy. Many vendors take active to develop the tracing and monitoring of sales performance and replenishment needs from their customers. The risky of stock out can be reduced. It also helps to receive valuable trend information for product development for the next seasons. Many companies such as wellcome and seven eleven used logistic strategy to control the good flow. In the recent, many businesses develop the logistics services to their customer. To take an example, Sun logistics provides â€Å"One Shop† a service that meets the customer’s needs to move goods in a manner that balances the speed with the cost effectiveness. They provide for the their customers to warehouse management, inventory management, delivery service and value-added services such as in-house labeling, packaging and price-tagging services to support special promotions and re-export operation. To conclude, not only the supply chain partner use the logistic strategy, but also other companies provide logistic service to the customers. Compared with other country, we can see that a lot of companies in Hong Kong use or offer logistic strategy. Therefore, Hong Kong can develop the logistic strategy respect to the human resources as well as the equipment such as multiple strategically located warehouses. Relationship strategy Relationship strategy is a main cause in developing the best supply chain management strategy in Hong Kong. Having a good relationship between each party, it will be smoother in dealing business and solving problem with them. Indeed, Hong Kong is a suitable place for companies developing a good relationship between its partners, suppliers and customers. It is because Hong Kong’s technology is so advanced. Having advanced technology, information will be exchanged more efficient and accurate. Then, it may eliminate much unnecessary technical or paperwork problem with other parties. Relationship will then easily build up. In Hong Kong, it has put so much effort on information technology education; therefore, there are many IT talents to support the supply chain management. Also, Hong Kong people always chase the trend of technology all over the world. It leads to improve the process of supply chain management more efficient and efficiency. Frankly speaking, trust is a main element of establishing good relationship between every party and trust is correlation. Even if our technology is so advanced, we cannot establish good relationship with our stakeholders without trust. Therefore, trust will be the main focus on developing good relationship strategy between suppliers, partners and customers. Firstly, from suppliers’ point of view, they want to have an exact demand scheduling of their customers. However, if suppliers are still using paperwork or working with low technology, it is difficult for company to exchange accurate information. Therefore, electronic database interchange (EDI) is needed. If suppliers have not installed such technology, their customer will persuade them to install it. On the other hand, if suppliers have installed EDI, it is encouraged to fully utilize such technology in order to exchange information more accurate and faster. On the other hand, if there is suppliers cooperate with company for the first time. Short-term contract of one to two years can be signed with them in order to protect both of parties. As both parties do not have any transaction before, it may occur many invisible problems after cooperating. Many problems have not occurred with existing suppliers may appear with the new one; therefore, short-term contract will be encouraged. Moreover, regular evaluation with suppliers will be needed too; no matter it is new one or existing one. It is because company can solve many problems during evaluation. For example, if a company discovers that one product’s quality is always out of standard, company can discuss it during evaluation. Within evaluation, company may understand suppliers’ difficulty on manufacturing such product, then, company can suggest solution to the suppliers. This kind of evaluation is not only aiming at problem solving, but also mainly at building up a trustee relationship with them. Indeed, company may also share both problem on transaction process, services etc. After a certain period of evaluation with the new suppliers, long-term contract will be proposed to sign if both parties are willing to do so. It is because company has already built up good relationship with their suppliers. . Actually, having a good relationship with suppliers can help a company operation more efficiently. It is because any problems existing between suppliers will cause ultimate effect on end customers. We value the relationship with suppliers as well as the customers’ relationship. Besides suppliers’ relationship, partners’ relationship is important too. In Hong Kong, keen competitive is everywhere. In order to enhance competitive power and bargaining power, cooperating with a company’s competitors is suggested in developing the best supply chain management strategy. Then, those competitors will become the company’s strategic partners. During cooperation, there is suggesting three â€Å"Joints†. They are joint procurement, joint transportation and joint research and development. Firstly, joint procurement means companies jointly purchase their supplies. One good example is Cathy Pacific. After joint procurement with One World Alliances, Cathy Pacific is successfully reducing US$3.5million cost. Obviously, joint procurement is practicable. It is increasing not only the procurement value, but also the bargaining power against suppliers and competitive power within its industry. Secondly, joint research and development is also suggested. In which companies and companies can jointly take a research on product development. For example, SCE and Sony are jointly developing the most advanced semiconductor technology with Toshiba and IBM respectively. And this most advanced semiconductor technology will be used on the central process unit (CELL) of Play Station 3. Therefore, it can share the cost and risk of research and development in each company. Lastly, joint transportation of strategic partner can also be adapted. Because suppliers may not fully utilize the capacity of cargo shipment, using joint transportation can greatly reduce the transportation fee. Several decades ago, the customer value to the goods was just based on the price. Later they concerned more on the quality, price and time. But nowadays, more and more customers are concerning element, SERVICE. Since the change of customer value, reducing the price in order to maintain the customers’ loyalty is not adoptable. As a result, suppliers have to change their operating, logistics and relationship strategy to satisfy the changes of customer value. The most important thing in improving the relationship between supplier and customer is to increase the service providing to customers. Companies should at least satisfy the several primary factors such as the product design, product price, service, etc. Apart from these factors, if companies can satisfy the extra needs of customer, it will maintain or increase the loyalty of customer. Company should set some principles or rules to staff when servicing customers. Also, customers responses must be realize and regard seriously. Over 60% of customers leave companies because of the shortcoming in customer services and caring. Therefore, companies have to react as soon as possible in order to keep customers base on the efficient customer service management. Total quality management is one of the methods to maintain the quality of product. It can ensure the quality of product is at standard. One of the techniques is six sigma quality. This quality controlling can reduce the defect rate to nearly 0%. Although it is impossible to reduce the defect to 0, it can at least increase the satisfaction of customer and maintain their loyalty to the product. Since the main purpose of companies nowadays is not to attract new customer, but to keep the existing customers. As mentioned before, the information flow of Hong Kong is advanced; company can react to the customer in a short time to reduce the waiting time of customer. In recent years, the after sales service is common throughout the world. This kind of services is to increase the customer loyalty also. But if there is lack of reviewing processes of customer relationship management, there will be less progress on the services provided. In this changing world, little improve of services will forces the customers to shift to other companies. If companies can practice these activities, they can develop a information feedback from customer for future improvement. In customer relationship, quick customer response is important. It is because if company reacts to customers slowly, customers will think the company neglects them. Hence, customers will leave the company. If companies make use of high technology to react faster to cope with customers needs, company can then maintain customers’ loyalty. For example, the Q A section in the homepage of company. Government Support To develop the best supply chain management strategy, the participation of companies is not enough. The role of government is also important. However, Hong Kong government is not fully participating in the development, but just act as a supportive role because of non-intervention policy. Therefore, we suggest a few points to government in order to help to develop the best supply chain for Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, the number of parking space of cargo ship is just eighteen; it cannot afford the average daily number of ship which is 108. Hong Kong cargo terminal still uses the 19th century method, which is using the barge to load the cargo from the cargo ship and ship to terminal. As a result, it increases the transportation processes and the transportation cost. To tackle this problem, Hong Kong government should build more infrastructures such as cargo ship parking area to reduce the loading process and to satisfy the huge daily number of cargo ship. Hong Kong government can also announce the consultant report to small-middle enterprises. This gives companies a clear guideline and future government policy. Companies can develop their own supply chain according to the government policy. For example, companies can setup their warehouses near to the harbor terminal or airports in order to decrease the transportation cost or design the transportation network. Recently, the Hong Kong Productivity Council has sent the report of research on Hong Kong’s transportation and trading sectors to relevant sector for strategic planning in order to meeting the change and challenge in the coming decades. Most of companies realize the importance of supply chain recently, but they are lack of the knowledge, capital and talent. Because developing a good supply chain system is costly. The government can subsidize companies to develop the supply chain system. Although the Hong Kong Trade Development Council is providing fund for small-medium enterprises (SME), the number of successful applicant is small. This means the approval standard is very high and difficult to apply for the fund. As a result, the fund is not effective and this will discourage the company to apply the fund and create disincentive the development of supply chain management. So, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council should lower the approval standard to make more companies obtain the fund for developing the supply chain system. Moreover, Hong Kong government is helping tertiary institution to develop the courses about the supply chain and logistics to training the professional for this sector. After Mainland China entering WTO, the trading activities with Hong Kong will become frequent. The role of Mainland will become more important also. To help the development of companies in Hong Kong and in Mainland, Hong Kong government should contact the province government especially Guangdong province government and Pearl River Delta government. Because of the rapid business activities in these two regions, the government support can help to develop the supply chain such as cooperate the ports in the region and the Hong Kong Kwai Chung Cargo Terminal. The ports in the region can act as backup role of Kwai Chung Cargo Terminal. Also, both Hong Kong and Mainland government can build a cross-harbour steel bridge in order to make a direct transport of goods from other places to Hong Kong. Since Hong Kong has efficient transportation network, Hong Kong should act as the main character amount other cities in the region. All the goods are transferred to Hong Kong from other region and ma king use of the Hong Kong International Airport; all the goods from the region can immediately distribute to other places and act as a distribution hub. Although Hong Kong is has the advantage on exploring Mainland market, the information and the legal aspect of Mainland is not clear. Therefore, government should set up some organization for company to develop the supply chain in Mainland or in other regions. The Hong Kong Productivity Council will setup 9 offices in different cities in Guangdong province to develop the supply chain, legal support, etc . The checking procedure in Lok Ma Chau Border Crossing is complicated that this will increase the queuing time of lorry. Hong Kong and Shenzhen government should simplify the procedure and increase the working hour to 24-hours service. The transportation of goods of companies will become more flexible. This can help company to improve the quality and on time delivery of product. One of basic element of developing the best supply chain is technology support. In Hong Kong, the technology is enough to support the rapid information. But the software of supply chain is inadequate. There is little number of software company in Hong Kong is developing supply chain programme for Hong Kong. Therefore, Hong Kong government can subsidize software companies to develop a suitable supply chain programme to Hong Kong companies. In recent years, the internet shopping and transaction is common. However, the restriction of internet shopping and transaction is limited. Government is still drafting the context of the rules. If government finish the legistration as soon as possible, E-shopping will become more acceptable in Hong Kong. This will improve the B2C, B2B and C2C. Companies no longer to setup a retailer shop and wait for the customers. It can reduce the cost of employing forefront salesman. And this can also increase the customer responses and opinion through the inter net. Even there is a good supply chain system; lack of promotion cannot attract more foreigners to invest in Hong Kong. Because of the investment will bring the capital, technology and talent into Hong Kong, therefore, the Hong Kong government should promote Hong Kong is a good logistics and supply chain center to other countries. Several months ago, Mr. Tsang has promoted Hong Kong as a logistics and supply chain center during his public speech. Conclusion After studying this report, there are opportunities and challenges for Hong Kong to develop the best supply chain management strategy. If companies and government make use of it and follow the strategies that mentioned before, then it will help to develop a good supply chain center in Hong Kong. In developing the supply chain, government support is very important, especially the cooperation in infrastructure. However, Hong Kong government is giving little support to companies. It is hard time to companies to survive without the support from government. Although government started to concentrate on developing logistics activities, the legistration procedures are so complicated that make Hong Kong losing the competitive power. If Hong Kong government reduces the legistration procedures, more effective infrastructure and policy can be carry out. It will really make Hong Kong become the world known supply chain center and practicing the best supply chain management strategy. Reference Books â€Å"Introduction to Supply Chain Management†, Robert B.Handfield, Ernest L.Nichols, Jr â€Å"Supply Chain Management, strategy, planning and operation†, Sunil Chpora, Peter Meindl Supply Chain Management in Global Trade†, KSA Newspaper South China Morning Post iMail Ta kung pao Ming Pao Internet www.wisenews.net/hkpublic www.yahoo.com.hk www.sina.com.hk www.singtao.com www.mingpao.com www.info.gov.hk/censtatd Census and Statistic Department www.stats.gov.cn National Bureau of Statistic of China www.hkpc.org Hong Kong Productivity Council www.yahoo.com www.tdctrade.com Hong Kong Trade Department Council Research Papers on Developing the Best Supply Chain Strategy for Hong Kong - Economics Research Paper (400 Level Course)Analysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaOpen Architechture a white paperThe Project Managment Office SystemPETSTEL analysis of IndiaInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesDefinition of Export QuotasMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductRiordan Manufacturing Production Plan

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Nutrition From Infancy to Adolescence Term Paper

Nutrition From Infancy to Adolescence - Term Paper Example For determining child’s nutrient needs at any stage, his rate and stage of growth are considered fundamental factor. Other factors include: body size, physical activity, health state, and basal energy use. A wide range of body requirements are based on individual characteristics (Lucas, Beth, and Sharon 103).The main objective here is to briefly analyze the nutrition needs of children from infancy through childhood and adolescence. Infancy Nutritional needs of infants are not very different from adults, it includes, energy, protein, minerals, vitamins. Yet, there is a difference in three major aspects. Firstly, the energy need per unit of weight is higher than that of adults. Secondly, the food for infants should incorporate a higher portion of tissue-building material, such as, protein, mineral elements, and vitamins as compared to adult food. Thirdly, infant diet should be consisted of food which is appropriate for the digestive capacity of this particular age. Moreover, qua ntity of the foods should be adjusted according to the needs of growing child (Joshi 166). Infancy is a robust growth period of child’s life and spans from birth to one year of age. Within six months after birth, an infant doubles his birth weight and triples it by one year. Meaning thereby, a newborn with 2.7kg at birth will be nearly 5.4kg at six months and 8kg in one year. During infancy, child begins crawling, babbling, sitting, and even walking in some cases. Usually, girls are faster than boys in these respects (Joshi 166). There are different nutrition needs in all the three phases. Initial needs of an infant are fulfilled by breast or formula milk, but later needs are satisfied by appropriate food as he starts eating. Using common sense when it comes to selecting an infant’s food in addition to a nurturing and relaxed environment leads to better health and well-being. At first year, child’s growth directly reflects the level and quality of nutrient intak e (Whitney and Rolfes 547). According to ICMR, daily intake of 120 calories per kg of bodily weight is recommended during first six months that should be reduced to 100 cals/kg of body weight during next six months (qtd. in Joshi 170).Joshi explains that high protein is essential to support the rapid growth and breast milk is ideal and recommended source to provide it (170).ICMR advocates 2.3-1.8g/kg body weight of protein intake during first six months and 1.8-1.5g/kg in the next (qtd. in Joshi 170). In early days, simple carbohydrates should be fed because amylase (a starch digesting enzyme) is not produced by body. The enzyme starts functioning in third or fourth month when starch is introduced. Adequate amount of fluids are essential for urinary excretion. Because of the absence of teeth in infants, only liquid or semi-liquid foods should be given until teeth start to develop. Infant body has limited storage for iron, therefore, iron, in addition to vitamin and minerals, particu larly calcium and phosphorous supplementation is vital. Initially, these supplements can be given as drops of oral preparations and later in a form of mixture with milk or fruit juices, but amounts should be kept moderate(Joshi 170). Breast milk is ideal for infant as early period of 4-6 months are of rapid development, particularly brain growth. In addition to protein, amino acids and fats in breast milk are ideal to meet these needs. It also contains anti-bacterial, anti-infection agents, and immunoglobulin that works for immune

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Energy resources and their impact on economy Essay

Energy resources and their impact on economy - Essay Example The reason behind this is that the utilization of these forms of energy is heavily technologically dependent and these technologies are still in the stages of infancy. There are many difficulties in implementing these technologies, some of them being their higher costs and sophistication of usage procedures to the common layman. Coal is a fossil fuel that is formed in the earth's crust from slow metamorphosis of organic matter under high temperature and pressure conditions. The rate at which coal is formed is very slow and it takes millions of years for the formation of coal. Coal originally formed from ancient plants that after death were decomposed and somehow buried under layers of sedimentary rocks. With the passage of time more and more layers of sediments formed on this decomposed plant matter. This exerted high pressure and resulted in increase of temperature. Over millions of years these physical conditions caused coal to form from the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, and mineral compounds that were present in the plant matter. Coal formation began during the carboniferous period known as the first coal age which spanned 360 to 290 million years before the present day. Coal deposits are fo... There exists a hairline difference between the terms "reserves" and "resources". Reserves are coal deposits that be extracted profitably with the application of technology where as resources are an estimate of the world's total coal deposits. All the resources may not be reserves because some of them are not commercially accessible. Total recoverable reserves of coal around the world are estimated at 1,001 billion tons-enough to last approximately 190 years at current consumption levels. Historically, estimates of world recoverable coal reserves, although relatively stable, have declined gradually from 1,167 billion tons at the beginning of 1990 to 1,083 billion tons in 2000 and 1,001 billion tons in 2003. The most recent assessment of world coal reserves includes a substantial downward adjustment for Germany, from 73 billion tons of recoverable coal reserves to 7 billion tons. (International Energy Outlook 2005) The coal reserves are geographically distributed as follows: Europe, in cluding all of Russia and other countries that made up Soviet Union, 44 percent; North America, 28 percent; Asia, 17 percent; Australia, 5 percent; Africa, 5 percent; and South America, 1 percent. (Speight 2003) A substantial quantity of coal consumed is burned in electric power stations to produce electricity. When coal is burned energy is obtained in the form of heat. In a power station that uses coal as the fuel, this heat converts water into super heated steam at high pressure which is made to rotate a turbine connected to a dynamo to produce electricity. The steel industry uses coke. Coke is a hard substance consisting of nearly pure carbon and is obtained by heating coal in absence of air. The coke is combined with iron

Monday, November 18, 2019

Base on the case study Critically review and discuss how the NIBCO Essay

Base on the case study Critically review and discuss how the NIBCO carry out the implementation of Business Prpcess Reengineering(BPR), Enterprise Resource Plan - Essay Example Most of the top brass (including Davis, Beutler and Wilson) fell under the Heiracrhists division as far as their social relationships were considered. Being high on grid (the extent to which an individual is influenced by the need for rules and regulations The Business Review roles (under the Business Process Teams) were assigned to people who were more of Individualist (low on group low on grid) so that they can use their own knowledge and experience in decision-making. Some of the members were taken from the Board of Directors, to add credibility and authority for the task. The Power Users and Business System Analysts were basically Egalitarians (high on group and low on grid) and hence they could work comfortably in groups. Same for Wilson’s technical team. Davis’ Change Management team, especially the chosen Focus Group, again fall under the Egalitarian division: they thrived on cooperation, collective work and teamwork for bringing about a concerted change. Any deadlocks faced by them were cleared by Rex, who can be classified with the Heirarchists. At NIBCO, there were a few Fatalists too, (like the few who left) who could not change their apathetic attitude and were unable to streamline themselves with the changing environment. However, they were few and were greatly outnumbered by the other, more positive staff. By the consent of the Tiger Team, an almost no-individuality culture was fostered (space arrangement in the Tiger Den). This went a long way in developing the esprit de corps, and even making the non-cooperative streak of the Individualists fade away. Above all, though the project was driven by a top-down approach, the sub-cultures (how do workers interact with each other at their levels), and nuances of relationships between co-workers were adequately harnessed. The sheer vigour, from Rex Martin to the lowest rung,

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Discuss Seven Key Characteristics Of Leader Nursing Essay

Discuss Seven Key Characteristics Of Leader Nursing Essay Leadership is defined as a combination of skills, internal motivation or personality traits and characteristics in any particular situation in which a person is able to influence the values, attitudes, beliefs or behaviour of a team (Daly, Speedy Jackson, 2006). It is an art which can motivate or inspire a person or a group to do well and achieve a common goal. In leadership a person who works as a leader directs a group by using knowledge, skills and personality traits and all team members follow this leader. Leadership occurs when someone influences others to act in a situation by guiding, inspiring and motivating (Davidson, 2010). There are seven major characteristics of a leader which play a vital role in leadership. The first and most important characteristic is self esteem. A leader should have knowledge of his or her strengths and weaknesses. If a person is able to find their own self then he or she can build strength in others and can also create confidence which can counterbalance any weaknesses or ineffectiveness in others. This is very important in every field of leadership. A leader should know about his or her own worth and be able to make good decisions (Blais, Hayes, Kozier Erb, 2006). Secondly, a leader should be a good communicator, because communication always works to increase unity and it leads to teamwork. A leader who has good communication skills can understand team members views and think about them. A leader always motivates team members to share their ideas to ensure that all are able to contribute to achieve the common goal. If a leader can communicate well with group members regarding their plans and ask them about their ideas, they will feel more motivated and valued for their work and also will understand their duties. This characteristic empowers the team members to equally participate in achieving common goal (Vanhove, 2010). Integrity is an important and effective quality of a leader which involves honesty, loyalty and trustworthiness in leadership. It is demonstrated by a persons thinking, attitudes and actions. People always judge integrity by a leaders behaviour and truthfulness during work. If a person treats others well with a strong sense of right and wrong and shows dedication towards their work, they are a trustworthy and respected leader. Leaders can display integrity by working clearly and honestly with team spirit (Kelly, 2009). A leader should have balance between professional or family life. It is a good trait of a leader to have a balanced life. If a person pays attention to their work or their goals at the appropriate time and then is also able to maintain their personal relationships by giving time to family members and friends, then that person can lead without stress in their work place. A leader can become a role model by balancing their life (Whitehead, Weiss Tappen, 2004). Having a good vision is another essential quality of leadership. By this characteristic a leader can find out new opportunities and new trends to make their organisation strong and successful. A leader who has good visualization of upcoming possibilities and trends can make a difference in discerning good and bad opportunities. By this visionary leadership, leaders can imagine effective goals for team members and apply these in order to avoid difficult problems. Leaders should screen opportunities or information and choose the useful information for their team to attain the best outcomes. This personality trait is also important for the professional growth of a person (Sullivan Decker, 2009). In addition, a leader should have the power to make decisions and empower the team members to share their ideas with management. Empowerment makes a leader confident and relevant to work in the organisation. By empowering group members, their contribution to thinking and planning increases their passion to work in a group (Huber, 2006). Moreover, awareness and observance of their environment should be in leadership. A person who has the ability to observe that what is happening around him or her can work as a leader. In some tough situations a leader can observe the problem and make some relevant decisions to solve it. Good observational skills help to detect upcoming difficulties and enable strategies to be put in place to prevent harm by informing the group in advance (Spears, 2010). These characteristics are very important in nursing leadership because an effective nurse leader can work with others to gain universal goals like better client care, make new policies and create new procedures. In nursing leadership, integrity is very important because patients and health workers always accept honesty and rely on trustworthy leaders. As a leader, a nurse has to notice different issues and perspectives to improve clients health, so good characteristics make him or her passionate and a source of encouragement to do the best which result in a good impact on others (Carroll, 2002). In the health care environment, leaders and teams or team work are necessary for success so it is important to have good traits in a leader to promote the health and take appropriate action in order to meet patients needs. In nursing field effective leadership require all these characteristics to understand the human emotions that nurses face daily basis. By having good self esteem, nurse leader can understand and accept own self in nursing. Some traits like good communication and good observation in nurse leaders make them strong to focus on achieving common goal related to client care and it increase leadership capacity which are vital to ensuring assessment of situation and implementation of a suitable plan of action. Nursing leadership based on honesty and truthfulness because patients trust on nurses for improvement in health care with understanding (Daly, Speedy Jackson, 2010). Nursing practice is affected by these characteristics which are needed to shape and improve the structure of health care facilities. They help to make new strategies in order to achieve common goals. Health field is a difficult field so staff and management have to tackle difficult situations in daily routine so this helps in decision making and problem solving (Shaw, 2007) Empowerment makes staff members independent to share their ideas and power to take decision in client care. By having these characteristics in nursing leaders they can learn from adversity and show dedication to the job. By good observation a leader can monitor the staffs work to maintain quality and provide the best direction to staff for future. It is essential for nurses to realize that people require ongoing feedback which can be positive or negative. In the practise of nursing, effective leadership requires understanding common goals and needs of staff and patients which can be created by motivating and empowering the team and others who will interact with it (Blais, Hayes, Kozier Erb, 2006). Change always affected by power. It can be in different position. Power works for change by using different methods and ways. It can be knowledge, money and experiences of particular field. In nursing field nurses can make change only in their limitations and by using their own power which should be related to client care (Painter, 2010). Power is defined as one persons effect or influence on others to gain support in order to implement new ideas. It can be used to reward or punishing others for right or wrong action. People are always affected by power and sometimes it influences every day practice in nursing and nurses represent the power capacity to react and respond in a range of ways. Power can produce changes in work place and quality of work for best result in health care environment. Nurses knowledge, practise and understanding of their role in helping people make them more able to influence people by particular decision making related to peoples health and wellbeing. Their power and authority can be used to improve the patients condition and nursing practise (Marquis, 2009) Nurses have power to discuss new policies and plan. They can speak about right and wrong in practise and share their ideas to benefits clients care. Power also can be use to improve skills and knowledge of working group. Nurses use their power to work for client for better outcomes (Huntington Gilmour, 2006). Nurses can exercise their power by educating to patients and their families in order to achieve better health and make changes in their power. Secondly, nurse can use power effectively by changing behaviour of colleagues by introducing new policies and plans. Nurse can improve their performance in their profession by getting training which will improve their good practice (Tomey, 2004). Nursing managers use their power to make changes in organizations by evaluating staff in order to reward and punish them. Nurses use power to share information and work as experts in nursing field. Nurses use information and reasonable power to promote health. Empowering everyone in this field, prevent conflicts and other unsatisfactory behaviour in the work place. Moreover, empowerment provides independence to make decisions for health worker in their field (Yoder- Wise, 2003). Nurses should always use their power to be trustworthy health care providers because power makes a relationship of trust between nurse and client. In other words, nurse can effectively use power strategy to motivate others to connect and collaborate to achieve professional goals (Huber, 2006). In conclusion, leadership is a process to influence others by some characteristics to make change and achieve common goal in profession. Seven key characteristics like integrity, self esteem, communication skill, power, balance in life and observation, are very important for nursing leader because by these characteristics a leader can impact strongly on others and feel more confident to motivate others. Honesty and vision to know opportunities create trust among staff, client and leader which is important to improve health services for better care. In nursing field power of a leader and nurse creates changes in others to get success for the implementation of plans and improve knowledge by training. Appropriate use of power in nursing, plays a vital role in managing difficult situations in decision making.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

The OSI Model and The Pony Express Essay -- Essays Papers

The OSI Model and The Pony Express The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model is essential to the world of computer networking. The model was created in 1977 by the International Standards Committee, in response to a difficulty that was facing computer networkers at the time (Shelly, Cashman, and Serwatka 142). In order to understand the difficulty, one must first realize that computer networks consist of computer hardware, the software that is to be used in conjunction with this hardware, and the medium (such as wiring or cabling) that will interconnect the computing devices that are in the network. The computer networker’s job is to determine which hardware, software, and medium types will create the network that will best suit his client’s needs. Then, the networker must combine these elements into a functional system of interconnected computers (Fortino and Villeneuve 112). It was in attempting this latter task that the computer networker of the late 1970s often found himself in a pickle. The problem was that each vendor of computing equipment had developed his own unique set of products; products that were incompatible with the products of other vendors. This incompatibility made it very difficult for a computer networker to combine the various network components into an operational computer network (Stamper 27). The OSI model provided for a solution to this problem. The model organized those tasks that are essential for computer network operation, into seven groups. These groups were called layers. All manufacturers of computing equipment were recommended to make their products compliant with the OSI model. This meant that each computing product was to perform the functions associated with a specific layer within the model; any method of accomplishing these functions was acceptable. In a network composed of equipment that operated according to OSI guidelines, a separate product would be used to perform each layer of OSI functionality. Thus, all elements of the network would be aware of the specific jobs performed by every other network element; this would allow for compatibility between networking products that were created by different vendors. By designing networks according to OSI guidelines, the networker was able to combine any group of products, made by any number of vendors, into a fu nctioning computer network (Stamper 28). .. ...he secret of its success in the field of computer networking, and this is also the key to its use in other areas of communication as well. Works Cited Derfler, Frank J., Jr., and Les Freed. How Networks Work. California: Macmillian Computer Publishing, 1996. Dicerto, Joseph J. The Pony Express: Hoofbeats In The Wilderness. New York: Franklin Watts, 1989. Fortino, Andres, and Arnold Villeneuve. Networking Technologies: A Complete Guide To Passing The Novell CNE Exam. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1996. Introduction To Networking. Diskette. 1992. Networking Technologies. Diskette. 1992. Oslin, George P. â€Å"Pony Express.† Encyclopedia Americana. 1999 ed. â€Å"Pony Express.† Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia. CD-ROM. Microsoft, 1997. Settle, Raymond W., and Mary Lund Settle. Saddles and Spurs: The Pony Express Saga. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1955. Stamper, David A. Business Data Communications. 5th ed. Massachusetts: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc., 1999. Shelly, Gary B., Cashman, Thomas J., and Judy A. Serwatka. Business Data Communications: Introductory Concepts and Techniques. 2nd ed. Massachusetts: Course Technology, 1998.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Personal Competency Essay

Personal competencies represent a person’s ability, skill, character, and knowledge that develop through life experiences. Competencies are required to perform efficiently in any professional organization. The ability to fully understand his or her personal competencies and using it as a resourceful tool for improvement constructs the foundation of highly effective management department. Poor communication is often the biggest barrier in organizational effectiveness. In a managerial position, development of communication skills is an integral part for managers to build and maintain relationships by employee‘s self-concept. When expectations are known, uncertainties are reduced, outcomes can then be better predicted allowing the organization to run smoothly. To overcome conflicts and effectively communicate with different areas of the business, management uses communication technique to have a pleasant and productive work atmosphere. Clearly defining each position’s roles and responsibilities sets a foundation and reduces tension in the workplace. Employees feel valued when managers actively listen to concerns and allow workers to participate in any decision-making process. This helps build a positive, parallel relationship between the manager and employee. Keeping an open mind and knowing that disagreements can occur help contribute to advancement of a business by realizing that management may not always be right. Innovating and strategizing are the essential competencies to focus on in order to adapt strong communication skills. A successful innovative organization clearly explains to each employee the organization’s vision, mission, purpose and each position’s responsibilities. Making sure the vision is understood, trusting staff members and prioritizing meetings is a guiding light for an innovative organization. Strategizing also is another critical element that allows better communication. Reflecting on the previous year, and current year and planning for future years allows the organization to expand through the use of communication. Communication is the key to the success of many objectives and goals set by individuals and upper management. Recognizing each individual’s personality and finding various ways to communicate is an integral part of management in any organization.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Compare and contrast leadership and management essayEssay Writing Service

Compare and contrast leadership and management essayEssay Writing Service Compare and contrast leadership and management essay Compare and contrast leadership and management essayLeadership and management are two ways of organizing people that are effectively used in business relationships. Today it is impossible to imagine a business organization without an effective leader, as well as without an effective manager. In fact, leadership and management have very much in common. Both leadership and management practices are very important in organizational hierarchy. According to researchers, leadership and management are â€Å"vital elements† in running any business (Hughes et al., 2009). At the same time, there are certain differences between these styles. For example, it has been found that leaders inspire others and initiate organizational change, while managers are able to cope with challenges that may occur in the result of change. The differences are concluded in different personalities, focus, outcome, approach to tasks/objective, risk association, role in decision making and style and type of org anization.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To start with, both leadership and management can be used to define group behavior in a professional business setting. Both leaders and managers should be well-trained to achieve the established goals (Hughes et al., 2009). Leadership and management are interdependent because the principles of leadership and management should be adapted to changing environment.Nevertheless, there are certain differences between leadership and management.Leadership is focused on long-term goals because the decisions of leaders affect the future of business relationships and the whole organization. Leaders are aimed at bringing vision in order to motivate employees toward the set goals (Raducan Raducan, 2014).   In addition, leadership can be explained as a synthesis, which is based on the outcomes of the previous analysis. Leaders have followers as the major goal of leaders is to lead others. Leadership means setting up new goals in order to improve organizational pe rformance. Leadership principles are based on finding the proper strategies to inspire others (Hughes et al., 2009; Rost, 2011). Additionally, leaders prefer to build teams in order to apply their skills and experience encouraging collaboration (Moyles, 2006). Leaders can be characterized as heroes because they have the traits of personality that make them leaders, including adaptability, creativity, self-confidence, integrity and emotional control.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Management is based on short-term goals because managers are involved in making decisions regarding everyday activities, supervising subordinates and measuring performance. Moreover, management can be interpreted as an analysis which involves the procedures aimed at breaking something into parts. Managers have subordinates as their major goal is to manage work. Management means providing effective control over the group in order to organize the group’s performance toward the set based on the established values and principles (Raducan Raducan, 2014).   Management principles are based on certain behavioral aspects that may be changed due to the changes in business environment and organizational culture (Rost, 2011).   Besides, the above mentioned facts, managers are aimed at inspiring staff member to perform their duties in a proper way, based on the established organizational goals (Moyles, 2006). The personality traits of a manager include openness, extraversion, conscientiousness and agreeableness.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In conclusion, it is necessary to say that leadership and management are two important terms that have been widely discussed in the world of business. Leadership and management are interchangeable because their characteristics are interdependent. At the same time, they are not the same. Leadership differs from management in the following characteristics: personalities, focus, outcome, approach to tasks/objective, risk ass ociation, role in decision making and style and type of organization. In general, there are four major differences between the activities of leaders and managers. Leaders are focused on giving direction, offering inspiration, building teamwork, setting an example and gaining acceptance. Managers are focused on planning, organizing, coordinating and controlling practices. Leaders have followers and managers have subordinates.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Hurt Quotes

Hurt Quotes Nobody likes to be hurt. Whether it is physical or mental, pain can be traumatic. Why do we feel so much pain?Throughout history, philosophers, religious thinkers, and intellectuals have tried to decode pain. Medical researchers devote millions of dollars every year to find drugs to alleviate pain. Right from suppressants to sedatives, drugs are designed to numb down pain.But what can we do about emotional pain? How can we not feel hurt when one loses a loved one? Most of us learn to cope with tragedy. We can read inspirational quotes, share our sorrow with a best friend, and grope our way out of the darkness. Some get used to the pain, while others overcome the pain and regain control of their life.If you are going through a difficult phase, and are unable to cope, it is time to realign your thoughts. Dealing with pain is an important part of growing up. We should become mature, wise, and more tolerant with the passage of time. Here are some hurt quotes that echo your hurt feelings. Heed good advice, and walk your way out of pain. Jane FondaWhen you cant remember why youre hurt, thats when youre healed. Colin RayeI laugh, I love, I hope, I try, I hurt, I need, I fear, I cry. And I know you do the same things too, So were really not that different, me and you. Peace PilgrimDo not suppress it-that would hurt you inside. Do not express it-this would not only hurt you inside, it would cause ripples in your surroundings. What you do is transform it. Bill ClaytonThe folks you help wont remember it and the folks you hurt wont ever forget it. Leo BuscagliaDont hold to anger, hurt or pain. They steal your energy and keep you from love. Mahatma GandhiNobody can hurt me without my permission. Theodore Isaac RubinI must learn to love the fool in me the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries. Mother TeresaI have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, th en there is no hurt, but only more love. C. S. LewisI have learned now that while those who speak about one’s miseries usually hurt, those who keep silence hurt more. Anthony HopkinsWhy love if losing hurts so much? I have no answers anymore; only the life I have lived. The pain now is part of the happiness then. Louis NizerWe are slow to believe that which if believed would hurt our feelings. SenecaWe are more often frightened than hurt; and we suffer more from imagination than from reality. Sarah McLachlanIf you love large, youve got to hurt large. If youve got a lot of light, youve probably got an equal amount of darkness.Diogenes Of what use is a philosopher who doesnt hurt anybodys feelings? Harry CrewsThere is something beautiful about all scars of whatever nature. A scar means the hurt is over, the wound is closed and healed, done with. Sheryl SwoopesNo matter how far life pushes you down, no matter how much you hurt, you can always bounce back.Joan Lunden Holding on to anger, resentment and hurt only gives y ou tense muscles, a headache and a sore jaw from clenching your teeth. Forgiveness gives you back the laughter and the lightness in your life. Armand HammerRegrets and recriminations only hurt your soul. Jessamyn WestIve done more harm by the falseness of trying to please than by the honesty of trying to hurt Jim BakkerI feel like God has forgiven me of so much, that I will forgive everyone who has hurt us. Mother TeresaLove, to be real, must cost - it must hurt - it must empty us of self. George Bernard ShawCruelty would be delicious if one could only find some sort of cruelty that didnt really hurt. Erma BombeckThere is a thin line that separates laughter and pain, comedy and tragedy, humor and hurt. Charles M. SchulzAll you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesnt hurt. Mark TwainIt takes your enemy and your friend, working together to hurt you to the heart; the one to slander you and the other to get the news to you. Alexis CarrelEveryone makes a greater effort to hurt other people than to help himself. B. Graham DienertMany people pray as if God were a big aspirin pill; they come only when they hurt. T homas MertonThe truth that many people never understand, until it is too late, is that the more you try to avoid suffering the more you suffer because smaller and more insignificant things begin to torture you in proportion to your fear of being hurt. Abraham LincolnA woman is the only thing I am afraid of that I know will not hurt me. Lewis B. SmedesYou will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well. Vince LombardiIf you can accept losing you cant win. If you can walk you can run. No one is ever hurt. Hurt is in your mind. Terry BrooksHurt leads to bitterness, bitterness to anger, travel too far that road and the way is lost. Oscar LevantIt’s not what your are, it’s what you don’t become that hurts. Sarah McLachlanHold on, hold on to yourself, for this is gonna hurt like hell. SocratesSlanderers do not hurt me because they do not hit me. Oscar WildeIt often happens that the real tragedies of life occur in such an inartistic manner that they hurt us by their crude violence, their absolute incoherence, their absurd want of meaning, their entire lack of style. SenecaWe are more often frightened than hurt; and we suffer more from imagination than from reality. Angelina JolieI dont believe in guilt, I believe in living on impulse as long as you never intentionally hurt another person, and dont judge people in your life. I think you should live completely free. Ann RichardsIve always said that in politics, your enemies cant hurt you, but your friends will kill you. Drew BarrymoreI want people to love me, but its not going to hurt me if they dont. African ProverbWhen there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you. Dalai LamaOur prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you cant help them, at least dont hurt them.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Chinese literature response 1st Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Chinese literature response 1st - Essay Example This was a central theme to the Yuang and Ming dynasty based on ideas of political expansion and social diversity that was beginning to influence different regions and is portrayed throughout this work. â€Å"Only this place is paramount†¦.At heaven’s edge autumn clouds furl; / bamboo hawsers cable together the floating bridge, / On the water a steel blue dragon reclines. / East and west it breaches into the rune regions / north and south it threads together a hundred streams† (118). While Wang is speaking about the place that Student Zhang is going to, it also shows that this is a central point for unification of east, west, north and south. The politics that relate to this and the influence of the environment at the time influence this specific concept and theme. This one rhetorical passage not only defines the idea of expansion and unification of political territories. This is also seen through the symbol of the characters that reflect this passage, as well as the metaphor of the entire work. The Student Zhang is located in the western wing of the monastery and Oriole, his lover, is in the east wing. Their love is seen by each when they go to different sides of the monastery to visit each other. This is representative of the theme of unification of north and south. The two characters and monastery become symbolic of the division of each side that is brought together through the actions and expressions of both characters. This is able to intertwine with the passage given that shows the meeting point of all sides. Another relationship to this main theme is based on the actions taken throughout the book. The plot line follows the Yuan and Ming dynasties and what was politically occurring during this time. This is specifically represented by Oriole’s mother and the actions she takes after the monastery is invaded, specifically by offering her daughter’s hand in marriage for defeating the opposing side. Putting this conflict into

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Response paper of chapter 6 of Inside Rikers They Keep Coming Back Essay

Response paper of chapter 6 of Inside Rikers They Keep Coming Back - Essay Example For me, despite violating society’s laws, criminals should also be seen as â€Å"clients† who can be guided back to the â€Å"right track† through addressing their employability and medical needs and goals. Society cannot avoid the long-term response to recidivism and use â€Å"medical lollipops† instead (Wynn, 2001); on the contrary, the government and society should support programs that combine education, rehabilitation, and legal employment to effectively reduce recidivism among ex-convicts. Wynn (2001) explained that programs like KEEP destined convicts to fail in real life, because they offered ineffective, though cost-efficient, solutions to severe drug addictions. She narrated the roots of KEEP. She noted that when city officials became alarmed that sharing needles among addicts led to higher HIV/AIDS levels, they created the methadone detoxification program called KEEP or Key Extended Entry Program in 1987. KEEP enabled addicts to access methadone throughout their duration of incarceration, which averages forty-five days but can last a year or a year and a half (Wynn, 2001). Wynn (2001) underscored that, â€Å"Rikers Island is the only jail system in the United States where addicts can be maintained on methadone for their entire length of stay.† In this sense, she already questions why penal systems even considered using addictive drugs like methadone to end heroin addiction. Wynn (2001) is careful to avoid the excessive nullifying of the helpful effect of K EEP when it is used as a â€Å"tool to control drug use, not to cure it.† She mentioned guidelines stating that â€Å"If administered carefully, methadone can eliminate the craving for narcotics as well as the euphoric effects† (Wynn, 2001). However, she stressed that these guidelines are no longer properly applied inside and outside prison, which results in greater drug addiction for